Apia International Sydney Tennis - Australian Open Series

Djokovic ready to hit back in Sydney

Rob O'Gorman Saturday 10 January 2009 27 Comments »

Novak Djokovic is confident he can put in a good performance at the Medibank International Sydney and erase the disappointment of his first round loss last week.

The world No.3, who was awarded a wildcard into the Medibank International after his early departure at the Brisbane International, conceded by playing in Sydney he would be changing his customary routine of taking off the week before a grand slam tournament.

“I usually try to keep the week before any grand slam [free] because I want to prepare and I want to save as much energy as I can,” Djokovic told the media today.

“Because you’re playing the best-of-five and it’s not easy under the difficult conditions, under the big heat.

“But, as I said, I’ve had a lack of the matches and I made some major changes, with the racquet for example, so I need to get some more matches under my belt so I can feel comfortable.”

“I wasn’t supposed to play here but I decided to play here because of the lack of the matches prior to the Australian Open and I think I need some more official matches so I can get into the rhythm.”

The defending Australian Open champion said he would also use the tournament to further adjust to using a new racquet, which he used for the first time during his first round loss to Ernests Gulbis at the Brisbane International.

“I went to Wilson, which I played with for the last three years, to Head and there’s a lot of mental involvement obviously if you make a big change and it takes some time,” Djokovic said.

“Of course you have to hit a lot of balls and you just have to feel comfortable.

“I didn’t feel in Brisbane comfortable with the racquet and with the circumstances, but it’s going to be better.”

The 21-year-old Serb said he was delighted to make his first trip to Sydney and while his focus was to win the tournament he did plan to spend some time visiting the sights.

“I’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” he said.

“I hope I will have some time to visit the city as well, but the priority is to play hopefully a couple of matches and do as best I can.

As top seed in Sydney, Djokovic has a first-round bye and will open his campaign on Tuesday against either Andreas Seppi or Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Video: Novak Djokovic press conference

Tags: Novak Djokovic

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