Novak Ready for Wimbledon Defence

Defending Wimbledon champion, Novak Djokovic, has insisted that he is heading into this year’s tournament full of confidence and form. The Serbian star got his grass-court campaign underway at the Boodles exhibition event, beating Andy Murray 6-4 6-4 in his first appearance since his defeat to Rafael Nadal in the final last month’s French Open.

The world number one will now head to the All England Club looking to replicate his stunning triumph from last year. Djokovic swept aside his rivals for much of 2011, claiming three of the four Grand Slams, and cementing his place at the top of the rankings.

While 2012 has not seen Djokovic able to dominate the game like he did last year, the Serb has already collected the Australian Open title, as well as reaching the final of the French Open. Continue reading

Murray looking forward to French Open

Japanese Tennis Professional Tatsuma Ito has promised to take the game to British number one Andy Murray in their French open first round clash in Paris. The twenty four year old Japanese player has made a impressive start to the year as he moved up the world ranks significantly moving into the top 100 players for the first time in his career and currently sits at his all time highest point of 68 as he comes into the French Open championship at Roland Garros.

His Tie against Murray is his first main draw match up and although many would see Murray as a Comfortable victory, the Scot may find his opponent difficult to break down as he adopts a free flowing attacking game. Murray admits that he is expecting a tough match and aims to fight fire with fire by operating an attacking and aggressive style of play in an attempt to dominate the game. Murray who has struggled on clay, admits that he knows very little of his opponent but has observed his attacking style and his flat hitting style and believes he has more than enough to overcome his Japanese opponent.

Murray is yet to advance beyond the quarter finals of any tournament played on clay this year, which the world number four believes is because he struggles with the pace of the court and movement, has been in hard training to improve his game on this surface and to eclipse last year’s performance where he was knocked out in the semi-finals against Rafa Nadal after Murray suffered a ankle injury in the previous round. Rumours of a ongoing back injury have surrounded the Scot who fiercely denies any issues and is hoping to prove his fitness with a comprehensive first round victory.