Novak Djokovic backs old routine to break new ground

Reuters : Melbourne, Sat Jan 12 2013, 10:36 hrs

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For Novak Djokovic, the formula for success at the Australian Open is simple - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The world number one will try to create history over the next two weeks by becoming the first man to win three straight Australian Open titles in the professional era.

Twelve months ago, Djokovic picked up his fifth grand slam title with victory over Rafa Nadal in an epic final, lasting just short of six hours.

Back in Melbourne after a few weeks rest, including a holiday in the Maldives, Djokovic looked fresh and raring to go again as he looks to create history.

"So far so good," the Serb told reporters after taking part in the Australian Open Kids Tennis Day on Friday, which drew a packed crowd to the Rod Laver Arena.

"We haven't changed much the daily routines in preparing for the new season for the Australian summer. Generally it's all the same.

"I have the same team of people around me that are making sure that I'm prepared well, so I'm just looking forward to start playing here."

The last man to win three straight titles in Melbourne was Roy Emerson, who won five in a row from 1963-67, his last claimed in the year before tennis turned professional.

The hot conditions and its place in the calendar makes the demands of the Australian Open unique but Djokovic, who also won the title in 2008, seems to have worked things out perfectly.

ARRIVE FRESH

"I like playing here because it's after probably five, six, seven weeks of break with no official tournament," said Djokovic, who plays Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in the first round next week.

"You get time to recover, regroup, recharge your batteries mentally and physically, try to get ready for the new season with four, five weeks of good practice. You come here fresh. You're motivated and inspired to play some good tennis.

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