In Novak Djokovic's words: 'Roger Federer perfectly acts on the court'

Novak Djokovic was among the players to beat in the first three months of 2007 season, cracking the top-10 and lifting his first Masters 1000 trophy. The young Serb won the title in Adelaide at the beginning of the year, losing to Roger Federer at the Australian Open and Dubai, where he finally grabbed a set against world no. 1. Novak was among the dark horses in Indian Wells, gathering momentum ahead of the first Masters 1000 event of the season and reaching the title match without losing a set. In the first round, Robby Ginepri broke Djokovic three times but the Serb had the respond ready on the return, prevailing 6-4, 6-4 to make a winning start and looking strong against Evgeny Korolev and Julien Benneteau to find himself in the quarters. Novak lost seven games in those four sets, shifting that form into the clash against David Ferrer too and beating the Spaniard 6-3, 6-4 for the place in the first Masters 1000 semi-final.

There, Djokovic experienced another relaxed day at the office, ousting his coeval and good friend Andy Murray 6-2, 6-3 in 63 minutes.

It was a big match for both but only one of them was ready to show his 100%, with Murray battling against Tommy Haas for almost three hours on the previous night and twisting his ankle to make things even worse. With nothing left in the tank, Murray gave his best to stay in touch against Novak but it wasn't to be for him, suffering five breaks and propelling Novak into his first Masters 1000 final. Speaking about his rivals, Djokovic mentioned Roger Federer and a perfect way to act on the court, knowing how to deal with pressure and make every challenge an effortless obstacle. 

"You see Roger Federer, how he acts on the court and the way he plays; it's just perfect. He knows how to deal with the pressure and everything on the court, making it look so easy. It's a motivation for yourself when you see a player like that, as we all want to reach the point where he is at the moment. I know I'm young and that I just entered the top-10, but I'm looking forward to the future challenges. I feel good after five commanding wins, saving energy for the clash against Nadal. We are both fresh and fit and I'm expecting a good match. I have to be as confident as I can, facing world no. 2 in a notable final."

Novak Djokovic said he would be ready for the final against Rafa, eager to show his best tennis and fight hard against the better-ranked opponent.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2XABECd