After a dominating win over Roger Federer yesterday for his fourth Rome title, Novak Djokovic turned his attention to the French Open which is his only missing Grand Slam from his trophy cabinet.
“I don’t think that I need to gear up or do anything special in order to be successful at the Roland Garros,” Djokovic said Sunday. “I have been very close to that title before, played several finals, I just need to continue preparing myself for that event as I prepare for any other and try to keep the routine going and hope it will take me where I want to be.”
Djokovic has won 22 straight matches, but in 2011 he won 43 in a row. He talked about both streaks.
“The fact that I have managed to win so many matches in a row gives me a reason to believe I can do it again,” Djokovic said. “I want to keep going as long as I can. I don’t want to think fear or everything else can be an obstacle and interrupt this streak. I always try to do my best no matter what is the tournament. This kind of mindset has helped me to be where I am.
“If I can repeat what I did in 2011? I don’t know. There are things out of your control. What you can influence is the present and how you can get in the position to do well in the future.”
And Djokovic said he come overcome the fear of winning the French Open.
“Over the years I’ve managed to understand how to confront with the fear and how to overcome it,” he said. “I’ve done things the proper way to face the fear. I did go through several situations in my life and on the court when I was failing where I was doubting myself but those particular failures made me successful. I think it’s important to believe in yourself and face the fear in every situation, sometimes it takes out the best of you.”
Djokovic will now his French Open path on Friday when the draw is made. The tournament begins on Sunday.
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