When teenager Novak Djokovic wished to crack the top-10

At 34, Novak Djokovic stands as one of the greatest players of all time, winning 20 Major titles and seeking another at the US Open in a few weeks. In March, Novak passed Roger Federer and became the player with most weeks as world no. 1, securing a record that will take some beating in the future. Fifteen years ago, a teenager Djokovic wished to crack the top-10 following notable results at the beginning of 2007, winning the title in Adelaide and losing to Federer at the Australian Open. After the Rotterdam semi-final and the Dubai quarter-final, Novak headed to the season's first Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells as world no. 13, standing as one of the favorites and playing well in the opening four rounds to oust all the opponents in straight sets.

Novak lost serve three times against Robby Ginepri, beating the American 6-4, 6-4 and raising his level to drop only seven games versus Evgeny Korolev and Julien Benneteau. In the quarters, Djokovic took down David Ferrer 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 17 minutes for the first Masters 1000 semi-final at 19, dropping 17 points in ten service games and suffering one break of serve. He broke David three breaks to control the scoreboard to find himself in the last four, facing Andy Murray. Djokovic believed he could reach the top-10 that year, seeking the title in Indian Wells after playing on a high level. 

Novak Djokovic reached the first Masters 1000 semi-final in Indian Wells 2007.

"I think I have proved myself as one of the title favorites, both with my results this season and here in Indian Wells. I believe I can fulfill my goal and reach the top-10 this year; I do not rush anything or chase records and results; everything will come with time and experience. I have to stay focused on my tennis and make further improvements. It was warm out there, but I felt good physically. In the first match, I did not play that well against Robby Ginepri, but the next three clashes were excellent. Vajda and I started working together nine months ago; he gave me the right advice and improved my game a lot. When you are in the top-20, you do not have to work on something special but rather some small things you can not notice by yourself and the game's mental side. That's why it's important to have a coach. I'm trying to improve my serve&volley with Mark Woodforde; I should use my opportunities more often and rush to the net, as I have powerful groundstrokes and the abilities to open the court," Novak Djokovic said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3sPxrsg