STOKE POGES, June 25, 2015
Novak Djokovic made a winning return to grass today at The Boodles with victory of Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-4. The world No.1, making his tenth consecutive visit to The Boodles to prepare for the defence of his Wimbledon title which will start on Monday at the All England Club, arrived in spectacular fashion by helicopter.
Novak Djokovic arrival
Novak Djokovic said: “Wimbledon is the biggest event in the sport, at least in my opinion and the one that I think the majority of the players dream of winning. The grass court season is pretty short but its one week longer this year. Unfortunately I didn’t participate in any official tournament before Wimbledon but that is why I am coming here in Stoke Park because I need some match play and I like the scenery. I enjoy it, I have a lot of fun, we have a lot of laughs and its something that is not very common on the court, competing in big tournaments you are in your own world and in your own zone and you focus on winning and here it is not about winning its about playing some good tennis and interacting with the crowd.”
Novak Djokovic won his first match on grass this season
“I needed some time off (after Roland Garros), more mentally rather than physically because I played a lot of matches from the beginning of the season. Lost only two and had one of the best starts of the season in my career and of course I am very grateful for that. I am trying to cherish every moment spent on the court but there are days and times when you really need to take some time off. I regrouped, spent some time with my family and got thoughts off the tennis a little bit and I am back in my office and hopefully I will be able to perform well.”
Djokovic’s opponent, Richard Gasquet, enjoyed the unique atmosphere of The Boodles experience with the world No.1 on The Boodles stadium court:
“For us its very nice to play with Novak, he is the best player in the world, there is a lot of crowd there so it was a great experience for me. I am very happy when I am playing here, it is the best preparation for Wimbledon.”
“It is very funny and it is very nice because everybody likes tennis and people are enjoying it and that is the most important thing for me.”
Team GB Women’s Hockey Team with Djokovic and Gasquet
Other matches on day three at The Boodles saw Robin Haase defeat Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-5, John Isner defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-4, 6-4 and Fernando Verdasco win the all-Spanish clash with Tommy Robredo 6-7(4), 6-2, 11-9.
Tuesday’s results:
Robin Haase d. Fabio Fognini 64 75
Novak Djokovic d. Richard Gasquet 64 67(4) 10-8
John Isner d. Thanasi Kokinakkis 64 64
Fernando Verdasco d.Tommy Robredo 67(4) 62 11-9
