Rafael Nadal – Novak Djokovic Full Match 2013 ATP World Tour Finals, Tennis, Tennis Highlights

Video Ranking: 4 / five

DJOKOVIC ENDS STREAK

Novak Djokovic ended the wonderful winning streak of Roger Federer yesterday as he defeated the Swiss star in the final match of the BNP Paribas Open to lift his first trophy this season.

It was a nail biting match. Both the players gave it their all right through and at the end it was all about nerves in the tie breaker in the deciding set.

Djokovic appeared to be letting it slip through his hands as he missed out on first of the two match points that he got, but, the Serb didn’t commit that mistake on the second occasion and served it out to seal the title.

This result was somewhat expected. Yes, Federer has been in unbelievable form in 2014, but, still, Djokovic’s strength on hard courts is immense and in the previous few matches, he had shown that he was returning to his old colours. So, it was him who was the favourite in the contest and he did justice to that tag.

Djokovic’s start was a little bit shaky. It was probably down to his nervousness more than anything else, but, he slowly got into his own and then, displayed his class. Some of his hits in the second set were just magical.

This is the third time that Djokovic has clinched the singles title at Indian Wells.

Talking to the reporters in the post match interview, the 26 years old Serbian said, “It’s always tough to take on Roger. The kind of tennis he has been playing is absolutely fantastic. I am happy that I came on top.”

In total, it was the 33^rd match between these two players and now, with this win, Djokovic has gone ahead by 17-16 as far as the head-to-head record is concerned.

Novak Djokovic vs Denis Istomin (ATP Dubai 2014)

Movie Rating: 5 / 5

Novak Djokovic Vs. Rafael Nadal Match Point – China Open 2013 FINAL

Video clip Ranking: 4 / 5

HEAD Tour TV: Player to Player Interview with Novak Djokovic

Video clip Rating: four / 5

DJOKOVIC BACKS TROICKI

Novak Djokovic has come in support of his compatriot Viktor Troicki who has been handed a ban of one and half years recently by the International Tennis Federation.

Actually, Troicki was asked to give a sample of his urine and blood while he was taking part in the Monte Carlo Masters in April. The Serbian player gave the urine sample, but, refused to give the blood sample saying that he was not feeling well.

When asked about Troicki being banned, Djokovic said, “It’s not good news for Serbian tennis. I know Viktor pretty well and I am sure he hasn’t done anything wrong. I am backing him. I hope he will return back soon.”

Meanwhile, according to Troicki, the doping officer had told him that it would not make a difference if he doesn’t give the blood sample.

But, the International Tennis Federation denies anything like that. According to ITF, the doping officer had clearly told Troicki that she had no idea whether not giving the blood sample is acceptable or not.

Talking to a Serbian news channel a couple of days back, Troicki said, “It’s a tough phase for me. I am not guilty. The truth will come out.”

The ITF has made it quite clear that Troicki can appeal against this ban if he wants.

Troicki was in Croatia when he got the news that he had been suspended. Just a few hours before that, he was knocked out from the Vegeta Croatia Open. He was defeated in the straight sets in the second round by Tommy Robredo of Spain.

Troicki has been around since quite a while, but, he has so far managed to win only one ATP title in his career. He hasn’t featured in an ATP final in the last 2 years.