Published on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:16
Novak Djokovic, the World No. 1 tennis player and a recipient of the Order of the Karadjordje's Star, First Class, is ready to face new challenges and ahead of the Olympic Games in London says he would be proud if the Olympic Committee of Serbia chose him to bear the Serbian flag at the Olympics opening ceremony. “The entire world of sports is now focused on the Olympic Games, particularly on the opening ceremony. It would make me immensely fulfilled and happy to be given the honor of bearing the flag. This is the competition with the longest tradition and also the most important event in the history of sports,” Djokovic has said in an interview with Tanjug.
The London Olympics will be Djokovic's second time participation at the foremost sports competition, after winning an Olympic bronze in Beijing four years ago.
“Together with many other successful athletes from Serbia, I will try to win a medal for my country,” Djokovic told Tanjug during a visit to the seat of the national news agency, which took place just before he was officially informed that President Boris Tadic had awarded him the Order of the Karadjordje's Star, Serbia's highest award.
Last year, Djokovic won almost all major tournaments, including clinching three grand slam titles. He continued with a magnificent start in the new season, defending the Australian Open trophy in an epic final match against the current World No. 2 in January.
The only major trophy he “slipped” in 2011 was Roland Garros Paris, but experts say he may win all four Grand Slams this season.
“Everything is possible in life. Indeed, I saw this for myself over the last year and a half. I do not mean to sound pretentious, but there is no point in feeling anything but optimistic. I set before myself the highest possible ambitions and goals for every tournament that I play, especially for the major ones, which are the standards to measure a player's success. This is why I will try to get into best shape possible for these tournaments,” Djokovic said.
Last week, Djokovic was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year at a star-studded ceremony in London, joining the likes of global sports icons such as Michael Schumacher, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Usain Bolt.
Right now, Djokovic is having a break from his professional obligations, which he is spending in Serbia and enjoying a few days off on Mt. Kopaonik. After that, he will go on to prepare for the rest of the season.
“I use this time to come to Serbia and visit my family, friends and people I do not have the time to meet with otherwise. It really means a lot to me to rest a while in this way before the series of tournaments ahead,” said the young man with 29 ATP career in his pocket.
Djokovic's next challenge will be to defend the Dubai tournament title at the event that kicks off on February 27.
“I am currently undergoing strength and conditioning training, and will continue with a seven-day tennis training in Monte Carlo. The next tournament is Dubai, the second official competition I am playing in the season that will be long and difficult,” Djokovic said.
Source Emg