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The Hindu
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AFP

Djokovic building up ‘to shine’ at Roland Garros

Working hard: Djokovic hopes to hit peak form in Paris. (Source: REUTERS)

Novak Djokovic celebrated his 34th birthday this weekend at the Belgrade Tennis Centre which carries his name but with one eye on Roland Garros where he intends “to shine”.

The world No. 1 is top seed at the pre-French Open event in the Serbian capital before heading to Paris where he seeks a second career triumph.

“We are working so that I reach my maximum, that everything is perfectly adjusted in Paris, where I want to shine,” Djokovic said at a news conference on Sunday.

Djokovic, who turned 34 on Saturday, has endured a roller-coaster clay court season.

He lost in the third round at the Monte Carlo Masters before reaching the semifinals when Belgrade staged its first event of the spring in April.

He then lost the final of the Rome Masters last weekend to Rafael Nadal, the 13-time champion at Roland Garros.

“I’m really satisfied to be able to play at home twice. It brings me mental serenity and the joy of being able to prepare at home for one of the most important tournaments of the year,” said Djokovic.

If he wins another Roland Garros, Djokovic will become the first man in more than 50 years to have won all four Majors more than once.

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