Djokovic eyes Paris success

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:07

The Serbian has never made it beyond the third round in Bercy, an event which comes at the back-end of a long, hard season on the men’s tour.

“This is the last tournament for everybody (below the world’s top eight) and it’s quite difficult because you’re exhausted mentally and physically,” said Djokovic.

But after progressing through to round three of this year’s tournament, following Dmitry Tursunov’s retirement midway through the second set of their second-round match on Tuesday, Djokovic reckons it could be a different story this time.

He added: “Most of the players don’t find a lot of motivation. That’s the reason we have seen a lot of pull-outs in the last couple of years.

“In my case last year, I had physical and health problems and I didn’t have enough practice before Bercy.

“This time I’m motivated to do well and I have nothing to lose.”

Djokovic, the third seed here, was leading 6-2 4-3 when his Russian opponent called it quits, citing a right shoulder injury.

Tursunov had already received courtside treatment for the problem at the end of the first set.

Djokovic, in control of the contest even before it came to a sudden halt, will next play on Thursday against either Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Radek Stepanek.

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