Novak bans thoughts of repeat streak

 

Originally published on: 28/02/12 11:10

Novak Djokovic is unbeaten in 2012, but the world No.1 is not even thinking about trying to equal his achievements at the start of last year. In 2011 Djokovic won his first 41 matches of the year, falling just one short of John McEnroe’s Open era record. He is on eight wins and counting this year, having won the Australian Open as well as his first match at this week’s Dubai Duty Free Championships.
 
“I’m not really comparing 2012 with 2011,” Djokovic said. “I’m not comparing any year with another year, because I think every year is different. I want to have this positive mindset on the court that is going to keep me away from unnecessary pressure that I already have as No.1 in the world and as a top player, somebody who is expected to win most of my matches.
 
“The last year was amazing, definitely the best year of my career. If you ask me if I can repeat it, I don’t know. It’s going to be very, very hard obviously, but I’m trying to go for the trophy like everyone else. I’m trying to be the one hunting for the trophy, not the hunted one. I’m not trying to defend. I think this is the right mindset. When I’m stepping on the court, I want to be playing my game and going for my shots.”
 
Djokovic will next play in the Masters Series tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami next month, but he is uncertain where he will play after that. Serbia have a Davis Cup quarter-final away to the Czech Republic early in April, but the world No.1 will wait until after Miami before deciding whether to make himself available. The 24-year-old Serb’s first defeat last year came when he ran into Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the French Open.

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