STOKE PARK, June 23, 2016
Novak Djokovic kicked off his Wimbledon preparations with a fun filled match against David Goffin at The Boodles on Wednesday..
In his first match since winning Roland Garros the world number one entertained the crowd at Stoke Park despite eventually losing out 6-3, 7-5 to the Belgian.
Djokovic was in a relaxed mood and said he was both “proud and thrilled” to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time.
“I always look forward to coming back to The Boodles every year, it’s a great way for me to get some match play in the build up to Wimbledon. There’s no champagne for me but I’ve heard and smelt a lot of people drinking champagne throughout the match and it’s great to see people being entertained and I hope they enjoyed some good tennis.”
Asked about his recent success at Roland Garros the Serbian said:
“There is a great sense of relief no doubt about it (on winning all four Grand Slams) but one thing we all learn in tennis is to reset a day or week later that’s the kind of sport we’re in. We don’t have too much time to reflect on what we have achieved. Of course I’m very proud and very thrilled to be able to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time, it’s a remarkable achievement for my team and I but we’re moving on and it’s back on grass starting from scratch now. It’s great that behind the corner we have Wimbledon, back to back Grand Slams in less than a month and that will definitely make me focus and stay the journey.”
When asked about Andy Murray’s decision to team up once again with Ivan Lendl he said:
“I don’t think it’s a surprising decision from Andy (to work with coach Ivan Lendl again), when Ivan was his coach before Andy won a couple of Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal, some of the best results of his career so I think it was a logical move for him to take and they’re a good team so it’s going to be interesting.”
David Goffin was pleased with the result.
“I’m feeling really good, it’s the perfect practice before Wimbledon. The court and the atmosphere is really nice here, the court is perfect, so I’m feeling good and it was a good match,” the world number 11 told and added:
“I had a good run in Roland Garros so my level was there but it’s never easy to play on clay and then the following week on grass, it’s never easy to change surface. I think I’m a good player on grass but I think I need some time, so I think this week I am feeling much better than last week and the week before, so I think my game is almost ready to start Wimbledon.”
Great Britain’s Aljaz Bedene made a good start in his final preparations for Wimbledon by beating Robin Haase 6-4, 6-4. Bedene, who has impressed with performances against some of the world’s top players said he was enjoying his tennis at the moment.
“I’ve played more tournaments in my preparation for Wimbledon this year, I really enjoyed playing Queens in front of a home crowd and against Andy Murray, one of the best players in the world. I’m feeling confident ahead of Wimbledon, the most important thing is that I’m enjoying my tennis and then we’ll see what happens.”
Elsewhere, Serbia’s Viktor Troicki ousted Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-5 and birthday boy Janko Tipsarevic, who turned 32, beat Argentinian Juan Mónaco 6-4, 7-5.
Novak Djokovic will not play at The Boodles on Thursday. Unfortunately the heavy rain forecast and the potential disruption to the playing schedule means that Novak’s other commitments on Thursday in London could be affected.
Patricio Apey, Founder and Event Director of The Boodles said:
“Novak Djokovic has been such a strong supporter of the The Boodles we did not want to put his schedule and other commitments at risk, we are delighted he played yesterday and hope to welcome him back with sunshine next year.”
Results, Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Aljaz Bedene (GBR) d. Robin Haase (NED) 64 64
David Goffin (BEL) d. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 63 75
Viktor Troicki (SRB) d. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 64 75
Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) d. Juan Monaco (ARG) 64 75
