Grand Slam title fire still burns in Djokovic

Novak Djokovic began his return to the Swiss Indoors after 15 years away, with the veteran admitting that the event – and the upcoming ATP Finals – are mere stepping stones to what he hopes could be a career-topping Grand Slam title

The 39-year-old who won the China Open title this month in Beijing after playing the Australian Open final and reaching the Wimbledon semis, last competed in rival Roger Federer’s hometown in 2011.

He claimed the local trophy two years earlier with a defeat of Federer but lost to the iconic Swiss in the 2010 title match.

“It’s been awhile since I played here,”the Serb with 24-Grand Slam singles titles said on Tuesday. “I’m excited to return even if this was not on my primary schedule.”

Djokovic had been due to play in the multi-million dollar Saudi exhibition, which has now been set back to the end of the year in hopes that war in the region will tone down.

Djokovic is now using this week and the Paris Masters to follow from Monday in preparation as he works for either a last-gasp place in the eight-man ATP Finals next month in Turin.

With his provisional 11th place in the race to Turin, solid performances over the next two weeks are critical; there is also talk that the player could possibly receive a rare wild card entry,

“I’ve had success indoors. But with some physical health problems at this stage of my career, I’d rather play indoors than in extreme heat.

“Right now I’m looking for more sustained energy on court. I hope to be able to perform well here.”

The fourth seed will start on Tuesday against Ugo Humbert and knows the opener will be key.

“The start is always the key, you need to start the week in the right manner. I need to come out of the blocks in the first round, I need to be at my best.”

Since winning Beijing in a surprise, Djokovic has been resting his body and working on the mysterious health worries which have left him gasping and out of breath at times recently.

“I’ve been training well the last couple of weeks and I’m excited to be back in Switzerland.

Despite his chances of more success, Djokovic has a specific immediate goal:  “It’s important to bring clarity and motivation.

“My primary goal is to feel better on the court, I’ve struggled with that.”

He added: “I need to be conscious of where I am in my career. and be grateful to still be able to play at the top level.

 “The Slams motivate me the most and I’m fighting for another title. I’m working as hard as I possibly can.

“But I want balance in my life, I want to be able to spend time with the family. I still have the passion to play tennis at the highest level. I feel I’m managing that well.”