Dlaczego Djoković nie wystartuje w Queen's?

Drugi tenisista światowego rankingu w piątek odpadł w półfinale turnieju na kortach im. Rolanda Garrosa. Novak Djoković ogłosił po porażce z Rogerem Federerem, że wycofuje się z najbliższej imprezy na obiektach w Queen's Club.

Oficjalnym powodem jest chęć odpoczynku po trudach paryskiego turnieju.

Pojawiają się jednak spekulacje, że 24-letni zawodnik ma ponowne kłopoty z kolanem. To z tego powodu nie grał przez kilka tygodni po zakończeniu pierwszej części sezonu na sztucznej nawierzchni. Novak ma ponoć zapalenie ścięgien w lewej kończynie.

Turniej w Queen's jest głównym sprawdzianem przed Wimbledonem.

W imprezie mają wziąć tymczasem udział Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick i Juan Martin del Potro.

http://www.eurosport.pl/tenis/djokovic- … tory.shtml

Lol.

Legendary Andre Agassi, a holder of 60 ATP titles, believes it’s only a matter of time before Novak takes the top position in the ATP Ranking list.

“I don’t worry for Novak,” Agassi said. “Of course, the disappointment was huge, but he surely realises he is playing better than anyone else this season and his only option is to continue in the same rhythm. His clash with Roger was one of the finest I’ve ever seen. Everyone thought Novak would win, he really looked invincible and gave away an impression he was unstoppable on his run. That is why I think he will put this defeat behind him, bounce back the right way and get back on track.”

“Once he does that, he will be back to winning ways at big tennis events. There are two more Grand Slam tournaments before the end of the season. If I was in his place, I would start thinking ahead to Wimbledon. I think he will be even better there and hungrier for success.”

Agassi also commented on the strengths of Nole’s game.

“His return is incredible. He sometimes appears as if it’s easier for him to be on the receiving end of a serve, than to serve himself.”

The American legend believes Novak is a better player than he was, citing the Serb’s versatility and athleticism as key strengths.

“Does Djokovic resemble myself?” Agassi said. “No, he is even better. He defends really well, while I struggled more in that element of the game. Novak looks totally relaxed when defending, completely calm and the quality of his return is incredible. He is also extremely flexible in his game, which is facilitated by his ability to anticipate his rival’s moves. That is why I think he is a much more versatile player than I was and he is also much more athletic.”

http://www.novakdjokovic.rs/news.php?ak … 89&jezik=2

Ostatnio edytowany przez ginny (09-06-2011 12:30:19)

A no tak, już dodane

Novak jednoczy się z ludem.

ginny napisał:

Eh...czy wam też nie wyświetla się filmik w poście, tylko sam link? Jak mogę zrobić, żeby się wyświetlił?

Pod każdym filmikiem na YT masz opcję "Udostępnij", następnie wchodzisz w opcję "Umieść". Potem wklej ten kod w znaczniki [html][/html] i voila.

DJOKOVIC ON “STRONGEST APPROACH” TO WIMBLEDON


Djokovic considers Nadal and Federer
the favourites to win Wimbledon.

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic believes he has his best chance of winning the Wimbledon title this season after a near-perfect six months. The Serbian, a two-time semi-finalist at the All England Club, opened 2011 with a 41-1 match record, with his only defeat coming in the Roland Garros semi-finals two weeks ago.

“I feel good physically and mentally,” said Djokovic on Saturday. “I feel I have the strongest approach to Wimbledon that I ever had because of the confidence that I have, and because the last six months have been the best six months of my career.”

The 24 year old led Serbia to Davis Cup glory in December and opened this season by winning his second Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open. His winning streak took in seven titles before he ultimately fell to Roger Federer in a high-quality clash in Paris. Hungry for more, the Belgrade native is now craving more Grand Slam success.

“I don't want to turn back on what happened already. I really want to be at the present time and really do my best to prepare for every tournament that I play in,” said Djokovic. “Obviously, Grand Slams are the most important events in our sport. I want to set my shape and my form as high as possible to perform my best tennis on Grand Slams.

“I think every player in the world has motivation more to play better and to perform better on the Grand Slams because the whole world is watching.”

During his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic also reflected on the domination of the two players he deemed favourites for the Wimbledon title, Rafael Nadal and Federer. Between them they have won the past eight Wimbledon championships, with Lleyton Hewitt the last man to triumph in 2002.

“I guess you can always put Federer and Nadal in front of everybody else to win Wimbledon because they have been so successful on the grass courts in the past couple of years and they've been winning the past eight Wimbledons,” said Djokovic.

“I guess every time you expect the match between Federer and Nadal, it's always the biggest match that exists in tennis.  I think they have the biggest rivalry among active players; maybe the biggest rivalry ever. So it's just great to be part of the era with those two guys.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis … eview.aspx

Wimbledon 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie

Q. It's very early, your first match in the tournament. But this is the first Wimbledon since you were a teenager that people aren't expecting necessarily a Federer/Nadal final. One of the stories of this year is you've played yourself into that rivalry. How do you think about that? You're friends with Rafa. How does that change your approach, if it does?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, first of all, I'm very satisfied with the way I started the tournament. Today's performance was great. As you said, the serve was very accurate. It was quite difficult conditions for both of us because we had to face the strong wind. So I went more for the precision, and I got the returns when I needed to. Really, really happy with the overall performance. Rafa and Roger are two biggest favorites to win this tournament because of the fact that they've been so dominant the last couple years, especially on the grass courts. They are the only two players who have been winning this tournament for quite some time. Obviously, there is Andy Murray, who is home favorite. He's playing really well on grass courts, Wimbledon, last couple years. It's true there is a different approach to this year's Wimbledon from my side because I'm playing, I think, best tennis of my life in the last six months. That's why confidence wise, you know, I believe in myself much more on the court and I know I can perform well, equally well, on this surface as I do on the other ones. As you said, it's a bit too early to think about the later stages of the tournament. So I'd like to, you know, take one match at a time.

Q. You only dropped 11 points on serve. Can you ever remember being so dominant on serve in a five set match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'm not great with the stats. But it is definitely one of the, yeah, most dominant matches regarding the serve. Especially on the grass court, you need the serve. You need to have the accuracy, efficiency. You need to get a lot of free points in order to, you know, put a pressure on your opponent.

Q. Were you pleased how quickly you adapted to the win?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's the first match in Wimbledon this year. First official match that I had on grass. So, you know, it took some time to get adjusted. But all the credit to him for serving the first set the way he did. It was really hard because he had a really high percentage of first serves. But that break on 4 All was a turning point. I think was crucial. Was important to start off with a set advantage.

Q. How much would you wish that Caroline Wozniacki was here to ask the questions instead of us?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I wish.

Q. Better questions.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: She's great. We have a lot of fun off court.

Q. Following her question, you have one winning streak.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, it came true, whatever she said.

Q. How do you relax yourself during the Wimbledon tournament? You play golf?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yeah. You know, as soon as the tournament starts, you're spending most of the time on the courts or, you know, watching tennis on the TV, just trying to save as much energy as you can, try to focus, try to get your body in best possible shape for the upcoming challenges, upcoming matches. You know, you don't have that much free time. I think what's very nice about this tournament is that you have the opportunity to stay in a house. Most of the players are staying around this area. There's a lot of beautiful nature, beautiful parks. So it's great. Fresh air is really important sometimes to get out of the city.

Q. You looked like you had some strapping on your left knee. Is that just a precaution?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, just a precaution. I have it on every match that I've played this year. I've had the tape on my knee. Since Australia, you know, I have been feeling a little bit uncomfortable. It's nothing serious, but I just want to be cautious about it.

Q. A little while ago you were the focus of all the talk in tennis. Today there's plenty of room to stretch out, not that much focus on you. Talk about this new stage. Do you enjoy having a breather, that not everyone is concentrating on you?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's been a best winning streak, the longest that I've had in my career. And it's incredible, the amount of matches I have won in a row. It was definitely surprising for myself, as well. And, obviously, with the seven titles that I've won in a row, you know, I got more attention. You know, it was easier this year for me to handle things on and off the court because I have gained the necessary experience in past couple years playing on the top level and knowing how to handle myself on the court, how to, you know, be dedicated every single day, and how to handle the attention that you have. It's kind of normal. It comes with the success. So when this streak ended, you know, in Paris, it was kind of a relief as well because, you know, it's been a very, very successful five, six months for me, but very long as well and exhausting. I've played so many matches. So I needed some time to relax and I'm happy to see that I'm playing well again, you know, that I'm mentally really fresh to have more success.

Q. Tennis is a game of cycles and growth. Inside Novak Djokovic, does he feel that he's ready to win Wimbledon?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I need to believe that. I have to be optimist. There is no use of being anything else.

Q. On the night that the streak ended, you went out to have some fun in Paris. You were even tweeting. Do you remember anything about that night? Looked like you were very happy.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it wasn't a relief, as I said. This is sport. You win, you lose, it's normal. Of course, it was disappointing for me to lose my first match this year in the semifinals of Roland Garros in probably the most important match this year. But look, you know, it had to come sometime. I just needed an hour, hour and a half to really forget about it and move on. It's normal. We tennis players, we have to get used to losing, as well. Sometimes you have tournaments, big tournaments, week after week. So we really need to refresh.

Q. Do you have any superstitions of any description before you go into a big tournament like this?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Not anything particular that I can say that I depend from a superstition. I do have my own routines, you know. Usually if I travel, and we mostly travel to the same places and we play the same tournaments, so we get to see the same people, we get to stay at the same hotels or houses. I don't call that any superstition. It's just a routine. If something makes you feel comfortable, then, you know, you have no reason to change it.

Q. You've beaten Rafael Nadal four times in a final this year. I can't remember him losing four finals. How does that affect your interpersonal dynamic with him? When you're in the locker room with him, how does that change?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, you know, we are professionals. Of course, when we step on the court, we want to win. So it is definitely a biggest challenge if you're playing your big rival, someone that is on top of the men's tennis, and especially if he is No. 1 of the world. To be able to win four finals against him was an amazing achievement. This year actually in Indian Wells was the first time I ever won against him in the finals. You know, I've lost many finals against him before. It all happens. It all changes. Hopefully we can have many more to come.

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/int … 06136.html

Wimbledon 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie

N. Djokovic bt K. Anderson 6 3, 6 4, 6 2

Q. What does it take to beat you out there?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I'm really happy with the opening two rounds in Wimbledon. Two straight set wins. I cannot ask for more, definitely. And I'm physically feeling great on the court.

I'm returning really well, which is important. Using more an efficiency of the serve and precision rather than going for the speed.

So it's quite tricky conditions these days. It's very strong wind. So to be able to handle this wind in this way, I'm really happy.

Q. Players on grass take a little while to get used to it. Do you notice any jump in your ease or feeling comfortable on the surface this year compared to other years?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uhm, mentally I do have a different approach to Wimbledon than I had years before. It's obvious because of the winning streak that I had, the confidence that is very high.

It makes it easier, you know, to step on the court because you believe in yourself. You know that you're one of the best players in the world and you know that you can win against anybody.

So this is my mindset. I try to step on the court and really, regardless who is across the net, play as best as I can.

Q. Can you pinpoint any specific turning point in your mindset that helped you change things around?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Nothing in particular really. I think generally I just everything came together really, mentally, physically, and game wise obviously.

I matured. I have, what, five, six years professional level behind me, which is quite a lot, and I've learned something from those years.

Q. You've spoken many times about the respect and admiration you have for Roger Federer. When you think about his durability, what occurs to you? He now has a streak of just about 12 years without missing playing in a major.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's incredible. I mean, I don't know what I can say that nobody said before for him. I mean, he's a great champion.

Q. Why do you think he's been able to endure in a way that few players ever have in that way?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he's been very smart with his scheduling obviously. I think his talent is incredible on the court. It looks so easy when he plays. I guess he spends less energy than the other players.

He perfected his movement on the court really well. So he knows how to rationally spend energy. He's just an overall player, you know, physically, mentally.

Q. What do you remember about when he beat Sampras here, if you got to see that match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Oh, no. It was a long time ago. I think, yeah, it was one of his probably turning points in his career. Then he started winning Grand Slams like they were regular tournaments year after year.

Yeah, on the grass, this is where he plays his best tennis. This is definitely now challenged I think from Nadal, especially from some other players, including myself, for the major titles.

I think he enjoys it. He looks at it as a big challenge, you know, to overcome the other players and try to win more majors.

Q. When are we going to see your younger brothers out here playing?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I hope soon. But, okay, it's not up to me. I try to help them in a best possible way, give them advice. But on the other hand, it's not that easy to handle the pressure of having an older brother in top of the tennis, men's tennis.

For them, they are still very young, especially Djordje, the youngest one. Mentally it's a big struggle. So he has to fight against a lot of things on the court.

Until he matures, it will take time. He's talented, that's for sure. Let's hope he can get on the professional tennis soon.

Q. There were times today when you seemed particularly exuberant, sheer enjoyment of playing and having good moments, particularly when we thought you were going to take flight after that great rally. You celebrated. You do express yourself. Are there times when you feel more exhilarated than others on the court? Today did you get some particularly good vibrations while you were playing?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I really don't think about others. I think about myself, what I do, how can I improve myself on the court. And, yes, it's true that I like to express myself more positively than negatively, but sometimes negative as well.

It's just me. It's my character. I'm very emotional. Obviously I'm learning over the years how to control my emotions. But, you know, everybody's different, I guess.

Q. I was wondering if you felt particularly, given all the pressure at Wimbledon, you seem to be quite exhilarated by it rather than introspective.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, you know, it again depends the way you accept it, the way you look at it. You know, you can always look at it from the positive side and try to enjoy it, embrace it, or you can look from negative side and absorb this pressure and negative energy.

Depends really how you go with it. I always try to go with the brighter side, try to put aside the expectations and pressure because it's always there. You know, if you're a top player, it's always there.

It's part of your life, part of your career. But you need to forget about that and do what you need to do and win on the court.

Q. The fact you've been so relaxed, you've been making friends with a squirrel.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You've seen my tweets. It's my best friend now in London, the little squirrel. She's getting closer and closer each day. I'm trying to feed her from my hand. Maybe one day.

Q. Does she have a name?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I will think about that.

Q. A lot of players appreciate Wimbledon because they can live in the Village with a team. Do you live with your team in a house and cook like Rafa does for the team?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't cook for the team. I like to be in kitchen sometimes. But I leave it to the professionals to do their job, to the women.

Q. Do you live with your whole team there?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I'm there with the whole team, with my girlfriend, and we have a great time together where it's really enjoyable. I've been staying in the same house for last couple years, usually with my family as well. But they're not able to come this time. Maybe later in the second week if I'm able to, you know, come to the second week.

Q. If you had no Wimbledon to play, what would you like to do in London, like a tourist or normal person?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, in London? I'm a big admirer of the nature. I think London is, you know, one of the nicest cities in the world concerning nature and parks and green all over. It's beautiful.

You know, I would walk around, I guess, try to spend less time in the car, because it's really annoying with the traffic here. I think it's one of the worst for the traffic.

Q. What is your secret with your return of serve? Do you think this shot can be the key to win the tournament?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, nowadays grass is slower than it used to be, so I think it's more suitable to my style of the game. The ball bounces higher, which makes it a bit more easier to return.

And, yes, I returned really well these two matches. This is going to be one of the, you know, important elements in my game in order to be successful.

But I need to serve well, as well, because it's not only about the return.

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/int … 92894.html

Wimbledon 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 4 rundzie

N. Djokovic bt. M. Llodra 6 3, 6 3, 6 3

Q. That was fairly impressive.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Thank you. It felt great, especially after the long match that I had against Baghdatis, too. To come out and play as well as I did today is definitely encouraging fact, you know, in the beginning of the second week.

Q. What do you think about the schedule, the way you've been put on Court 1 a couple of times? Potentially world No. 1 at the end of this week, you should be on Centre Court from now on in?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look I don't get into the scheduling. It's not to me to make a decision where I'm going to play. I respect whatever they decide to do. I have no complaints towards that.

I've been playing on both big courts. Court 1 is as beautiful as the Centre Court is, as well.

Q. How would you describe the relationship you have with your next opponent and how well you know his game?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Uhm, I have nice words for Bernard, and I think he has a great potential, a great talent. He's showing it right now. He believes that he can win against the top players, and he was doing that very comfortably in last couple of rounds here in Wimbledon. As I understand, he came from qualification, so he has a lot of matches under his belt.

He loves playing on grass. If you analyze his game, he loves playing on the fast surfaces. He just has these flat shots. He doesn't give you a lot of time. You know, he serves really well. He doesn't make many unforced errors.

It's going to be exciting match for both of us, I think. You know, we practice couple of times here in Wimbledon, a couple of times throughout the whole year wherever we are. We're good friends on and off the court.

Q. How did he first come to your attention? How did you know about this young kid?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, I've heard about him, that he's very successful in the junior circuit a couple years ago. Then when I saw him play, you know, it was obvious that he's very, very talented. I saw him in Australia, I think, first time two, three years ago when he was playing juniors.

But, you know, now he establish himself already in the professional circuit. So with this quarterfinal in Wimbledon, he shows everybody he has a quality to be here.

Q. You first asked him to hit with you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know who asked who. You know, we speak the same language, so for us is easy to communicate.

Q. The exhibition match January of last year in Melbourne, what do you remember about that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, yeah. I remember I lost. Yeah, but, you know, these exhibition matches are not really matches that you can really judge who is in a good shape, who is playing better.

You know, it was just more of a practice match, more of players are trying to try their games, you know, how it works prior to the big slam.

But as I said, you know, we had many opportunities to practice with each other. We know each other's game. Even though he's quite young, he's quite new on the professional circuit, I still feel when I watch him definitely these last couple of matches that he plays with a lot of confidence.

You know, he can be very dangerous because he doesn't have anything to lose really. I mean, he's in quarterfinals, and I'm sure he's going to step into the court willing to win.

Q. He said that when you had a knock-up last week you played a couple of sets and you destroyed him. Is that quite right?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I don't know. Look, we don't look at the score that much. It's more kind of playing, testing our strokes, just kind of trying to prepare for the match what is about to come.

We do have lots of fun on the practice, as well. I like practicing with him because, you know, we get to be serious for, let's say, like four or five minutes and then we are having fun for 45 minutes.

Q. If you put Roger and Rafa in the big picture on a sort of a neutral surface, slow hard court, having them both playing at their peaks, who do you think would be better?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I really cannot answer that. I don't know. I don't know. I mean, it's obvious that Rafa is playing his best tennis on the clay and Roger on the grass. So I guess when they had this exhibition match, half grass court, half clay court, it was cool to watch really. I enjoyed it. It was something very interesting.

I had fun watching it. I'm sure they had fun playing. Unfortunately we don't have half halfcourts. Has to be only one surface.

Q. There have been press reports about Pierre and his status as to whether he might still be able to join you here. Have you had any updates on that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I've heard that this story came out. I don't understand why it was so serious. There was nothing going on. It was just he couldn't come, you know.

I like having him around, but it was impossible this time. Maybe next time, we'll see.

Q. No way this time?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's too late now.

Q. When you speak of the level of the top four guys, how would you describe the level of play that the four of you are at, how formidable as a foursome you guys are right now?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it was obvious that Nadal and Federer have been the two most dominant players in the circuit for the last, what, five years. And now I think it gets a little bit more interesting in our sport to have Murray and myself and a couple more players, you know, who can challenge those guys in the Grand Slams, in the big events.

You know, considering Roger and Rafa, in my case, I guess for most of the players, they always make you play your best tennis. They make you improve.

So even though it's very difficult to compete with them because they are so consistent and such great players, they are always reaching at least the semifinals of each tournament they play on Grand Slams. They've been winning 90% of the Grand Slams in the last six years.

In order to keep up with them, you really need to work on your game. You know, you need to step out there and believe you can win, because everybody got used to watching Rafa and Roger in the finals, expecting them to play in every tournament finals. But now it's a bit different.

I think it's interesting to see that.

Q. Will you play Davis Cup in Sweden? And what do you think about Robin Soderling's decision not to play?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I will play Davis Cup. I am in the team. But for Soderling, I've heard, yes, that he has pulled out. I mean, regardless if he's playing or not, we will come as the strongest team, the team that has won the Davis Cup title last year, because we are aware that we are going away from home.

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if Robin still plays on that match. He's not in the tournament here. He has still chance to be in the team. But we are not looking at their squad. We are just trying to be the best squad we can.

Q. Do you think with the four of you playing as you are at the moment that we've entered a golden era where truly great individuals are reaching their peak together and contesting for the big prizes?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Can you repeat? We're getting philosophical.

Q. The quality of the four seems to be head and shoulders above the rest of the others. Is it potentially something that people will look back as a golden era of tennis?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Nadal and Federer, definitely, because they have had an incredible rivalry, and they have an incredible five, six years of dominance in so many Grand Slams and things they've won. They just made the history of the sport.

Even I have won two Grand Slams and played a couple of finals, as well as Andy Murray, we still have a lot to prove. I don't think we are still in the league of comparing to those two guys and their results.

But, you know, we are still quite young and there's many years to come hopefully.

Q. You grew up watching Pete. How would you compare the three or four of you now with his generation with Andre, Courier, Chang, possibly Becker and Edberg?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, Pete was best player in the world for five, six years in a row. It was kind of his era in last 15 years.

But you had great players I really enjoyed. I think there was many players that were able to challenge Pete, even on this tournament, which he has won so many times in a row.

But, you know, I think the era that we are in right now, I think men's tennis especially is experiencing some good times. Of course, it all depends how you look at it. It was Federer and Nadal winning most of the major tournaments in the last three, four, five years. But now there is more players.

I think for the sport, it's better to have more players, more options, so people can support some more players.

Q. What is your particular superstitions or do you not have any?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I do not have a superstition. I have routines. I would call them routines that I try to respect prior to each match. More or less I don't take a shower in the same shower, for example. I don't do that. But I have a certain timing that I prepare myself for. Just regular stuff. Nothing dependent from.

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/int … 13190.html

DJOKOVIC ONE WIN AWAY FROM NO. 1, FIRST WIMBLEDON FINAL

Novak Djokovic has reached his fifth straight Grand Slam championship semi-final and should he advance to The Championships final on Sunday he will become the new No. 1 in the South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings.

Second seed Djokovic defeated his regular practice partner, 18-year-old Australian qualifier Bernard Tomic, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 41 minutes on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals at the All England Club. The 24-year-old Serbian also advanced to the semi-finals in 2007 and last year.

"My focus is to win every single match I play, obviously," said Djokovic. "But I'm aware of the importance of every match that I play. I'm very close to reaching the No. 1, but I try not to think about that too much."

Djokovic will next meet French No. 12 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat six-time former titlist Roger Federer of Switzerland 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, in the semi-finals on Friday. Read Match Repeat

"I need to work a little bit on my game," said Djokovic. "I hope I can perform a little bit better than I did today. That's what matters for me the most, regardless who is across the net. Tsonga came back from 0-2 [sets down]. It's amazing comeback. He's been playing great in grass-court season so far. He's very dangerous."

Djokovic capitalised on a nervous start by World No.158 Tomic to convert his fourth break point opportunity, and he continued to dominant the baseline rallies to break serve again for a 5-2 lead. The Serbian then hit his fifth ace to close out the 34-minute opener in which he committed five unforced errors.

Tomic grew in stature in the second set as the weight of seven matches in his legs, to get to the quarter-finals, lifted. Djokovic hit two double faults in the fourth game and Tomic coolly opened up a 4-1 lead much to the delight of the large Australian contingent. The Gold Coast resident dumped two forehands into the net on his first two set point opportunities, but his 12th winner of the set - a forehand - to level the score line. Djokovic had won just 43 per cent of his second service points.

The error count continued to rise for Djokovic early in the third set, as Tomic stormed into a 3-1 lead that was short-lived. Djokovic responded by winning seven straight games in the same time at Tomic committed 13 unforced errors.

Tomic recovered from a 0-2 deficit in the fourth set and came within two points of taking his 18th tour-level match to a deciding set, when Djokovic served at 4-5, 0/30, courtesy of some blistering forehand winners.

But Tomic tensed up in the 11th game, as Djokovic's greater experience counted. A 31-stroke rally, with both players mainly hitting backhand slice strokes, only heightened Tomic's anxiety in baseline rallies. Djokovic sealed the decisive break with a backhand drop shot winner and he went onto clinch his 46th win in 47 matches this season with a hold to 15, ending with a cool drop volley

Djokovic maintains his record of having never lost to a player ranked outside the Top 100. He hit 39 winners and 14 aces, committing 27 unforced errors in the pair's first meeting. Tomic, the youngest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since Boris Becker in 1986, hit 43 winners and made 41 errors.

"I'm proud of myself firstly," said Tomic. "I think I gave it as much as I could today. I was not too far off, but he's a better player than me at this stage. I had my chances 3-1 in the third [set]. If I was a little bit smarter, a little bit relaxed, I probably would have done the opposite of what I did. But his returns keep pressuring you and then you make errors, and that's why he's that quality of a player."

Tomic is guaranteed to become Australia's new No. 1-ranked player on Monday, when the new South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings are published. Lleyton Hewitt had held the top spot nationally since 17 May 2004.

"He's been playing really, really well today," said Djokovic. "He's been using the pace fantastically. You can see he feels really comfortable on the court. Obviously what he lacks a little bit more is that experience.  But it comes with the time. I'm sure if he continues this way, he's gonna be a top player very soon.

"I think his style is more suitable to the faster surfaces, grass, the lower bounce, because he plays quite flat and he uses the pace from his opponent."

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