Novak Djokovic: 'I've really enjoyed the process'

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Novak Djokovic was the best player of the 2011 season after winning three Majors and five Masters 1000 tournaments. Novak left all rivals behind, including world number 2 Rafael Nadal. The Serb beat the Spaniard in six notable finals, including those at Wimbledon and the US Open. Djokovic suffered a back injury at the US Open. He struggled a bit in the title clash against Nadal, but still prevailed in four sets. The Serbian could have played better the rest of the year, winning six out of ten games to stop engines and recharge batteries for 2012. Novak and Rafa suffered from fatigue in the ATP Finals, unable to advance to the next round and fight for the title. Asked about his great rival and the fatigue that he mentioned the day before, Djokovic admitted that he understood Nadal perfectly. The Serbian revealed that he felt tired in the final stretch of the season and that he lacked the freshness that he had had in the previous ten months. In his last official match of that year, Novak suffered his first loss to his good friend Janko Tipsarevic in four meetings. The world number 1 took the first match, but fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and eight minutes, moving further away from the semifinalist spot. With that one set on his account, Novak could advance to the semifinals and face Roger Federer. Even so, Tomas Berdych defeated David Ferrer to accompany the Spaniard in the semifinals and leave the Serb empty-handed. Djokovic and Tipsarevic each earned 84 points, with the older Serb playing better in crucial moments. Janko defended two of his four break chances and grabbed four breaks to control the score in sets two and three. Novak claimed the first with a break in the fourth game, serving well and hoping for more in the second set.

Djokovic has had a great season

Novak Djokovic has worn Asics' shoes for the last few years and will be wearing a new, upgraded design the coming season. "At the beginning, I said I don't want to change. When I switched from my last sponsor to Asics shoes, I felt really like I was going to a sportscar from a commercial car. I felt lighter on my feet, I felt there was more flexibility. I could change direction quicker, and I could slide. Why change when you feel good? Why change? Let's try to make an even better shoe," he said. "I've really enjoyed the process. Sometimes not, most of the time, yes. Good things take time. I am really proud of the whole process. Don't know if I can choose between stability and flexibility. You need to combine the lightness and comfort with functionality. For us, we change directions a lot and the first step is so crucial. We need a good shoe to absorb the shock of stopping and help us launch and change direction to the first step back to the middle of the court," he added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/EX2xt4o

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