Novak Djokovic: 'When someone beats Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer..'

Novak Djokovic was the upcoming star to beat in 2006 and 2007, making significant steps towards the top and showing his rich talent. Finishing inside the top-20 in 2006, Novak was ready for more a year later, kicking off the 2007 season with the Adelaide title. In March, a teenager was the one to look at in Indian Wells and Miami, reaching two finals and claiming the first Masters 1000 trophy at 19. In Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal defeated Novak in the title match, and the Serb avenged the loss in the Miami quarter-final. Roger Federer fell to Guillermo Canas at both events, and Novak had a clear path towards the crown in Florida, beating the Argentine 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 20 minutes. Djokovic was the favorite, and he proved that on the court with a dominant performance that left Canas with no answer. Novak saved all five break points, which wasn't the pace Guillermo could follow, serving at only 54% and suffering four breaks that carried a teenager over the top.

Djokovic had the upper hand in the shortest and most extended exchanges to overpower Canas, who was still pleased with the last couple of weeks. Novak kicked off the encounter with a smash winner and fended off a break chance in game three. A backhand down the line clinched a break at love for the Serb in the next one, and he cemented the lead with an ace to forge a 4-1 lead. Serving for the set in game nine, Novak held at 15 after Canas' forehand error to grab the opener 6-3, looking for more of the same for the rest of the encounter.

Novak Djokovic claimed the first Masters 1000 title in Miami 2007.

After four good holds at the start of the second set, Djokovic blasted a forehand down the line to force his opponent's error and grab a break, rattling off three break chances in the next one that lasted for 20 minutes. It took all the energy from Canas, who got broken at love in game seven after Djokovic's backhand down the line winner that sent him 5-2 up, taking a massive step towards the title. Guillermo survived multiple break opportunities at the beginning of the third set, struggling with a left thigh injury but staying in touch with Novak until 4-4. Then, he hit a double fault to give Djokovic the pivotal advantage, and Novak sealed the deal in the next game with a forehand winner, celebrating his first out of many Masters 1000 trophies.

"Whenever someone beats Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, it gives you motivation and confidence. I have used that opportunity in Indian Wells and Miami. I was supposed to meet Roger Federer in the quarter-final in the desert, but he lost to Canas. I reached the final there, losing to Rafael Nadal and fixing that here in Miami. I'm playing consistent tennis, and it's good to see someone new in tennis," Novak Djokovic said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Tq4hSZ