TENNIS 2014 ROLAND GARROS – 30th of May 2014. N. Djokovic d. M . Cilic 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. An interview with Novak Djokovic
Q. After the first two sets, it became a bit more complicated, the conditions and March rain playing very good. How did you feel out there?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I felt great. First two sets and beginning of the third I had some chances to break him and kind of get the job done in straight sets, but he started playing a little bit better.
I didn’t use this opportunity that were presented, and, you know, gave him a chance to come back to the match. He played great, the end of the third, especially in the tiebreak.
In the fourth, you know, 3 Love, Love 40, 4 1, Love 40, didn’t use that. And again, I complicated my own life there in the fourth. But generally it was a difficult match from different aspects.
Physically I had to work very hard, because he was very aggressive, and I could expect that. I came into the match knowing that he’s gonna take his chances.
You know, some shots, I mean, he was hitting really well. Second serve he was attacking and, you know, returning deep in the court and kind of pulling me back from the baseline, and then, you know, trying to dominate the rallies.
So it wasn’t easy, because, you know, once you start being passive, you know, you lose kind of the confidence to step in. That’s that’s what happened maybe in the end of the third and, you know, a little bit of the fourth.
In important moments I held my nerves and, you know, I’m very happy that I went through.
Q. Being on Lenglen maybe did it have any influence, the court, not being used to it or sliding a bit?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It’s different from the center court. Two things: First, it’s quicker, so it’s suitable more for servers like Marin and the players who play very aggressively; and it was kind of slippery a little bit.
But the quality of the court just looking at this year is a little bit better from the center.
You know, I expected that I’m going to play on Suzanne Lenglen, you know, there is nothing there is no excuses. It was a great match to be part of, and I enjoyed it and hope the crowd did, too.
Q. Can you say some words about your work with Boris Becker here in Roland Garros. How is he helping you? What are you guys working on and what does his presence mean for you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, his presence means a lot for me and, of course, for the sport in general for such a legend and the player that has made a mark in the tennis history to be part of the sport again officially as a coach is really I think it brings a lot of positives to tennis.
I started feeling the benefits of our relationship and cooperation. And the start of the year it was obviously it took a little bit of time for us to get to know each other, and now I’m glad that it’s all working well.
In Rome he was there, together with Marjan Vajda, he is here in Paris. So both of them they have their own contribution, their impact on my game. I’m not going to discover exactly what, but generally it’s working, and I’m glad that it all goes in the right direction.
Q. If I could, I’d like to ask you: What do you consider the biggest win of your career? What loss was sort of the toughest, most brutal to take?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The biggest one is Wimbledon in 2011, I won against Nadal and won the title and became No. 1. That was the probably the biggest day of my career.
And also the Davis Cup in 2010. That’s also very special, special title in my career.
I had tough losses, a lot of tough losses. It’s all sport. Probably I can’t pick one, but there were a few in Grand Slam finals that were quite…
Q. Have you heard about Gulbis’ sexist comments today? He said he hopes his two sisters won’t become professional tennis players because women need to think about having kids and they need to enjoy life. And he said also having kids he thinks they can’t have kids until they are in their late 20s, which is tough. What is your opinion?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don’t know what to say, really. Everybody is entitled on their own opinion. I respect his opinion, and I respect everybody’s opinion, but I can’t say more than that, really.
I respect everybody individually and their opinions and their rights and freedom to say what they want.
Q. This is a question from fans. Your brother, who is trying to be a successful tennis player, is is that the case? Marko?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. What will happen the day you play him in a tournament and he will beat you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I hope this day comes, to be honest. I really do.
What I’m going to do? I’m going to hug him, kiss him, and say, Yes, you’ve done it. I would love this day to come.
