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Djokovic seeks French Open win
| DATE: 29 January 2013 |
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| BY: Sias Du Plessis |
Novak Djokovic has set his sights on an elusive career Grand Slam at Roland Garros this year.
The world number one believes he can achieve the feat after clinching his third consecutive Australian Open title and the fourth of his career. Only five other men in the history of tennis have managed to win the Melbourne tournament four times or more and they include 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
Djokovic is destined for greatness, there is no doubt about it. But there is a lighter side to the top-ranked tennis player in the world. He brought several boxes of chocolates to the post-match press conference for the media after the final against Andy Murray, so that they could share in his victory. "I see nobody's on a sugar-free diet," he joked. The world number one then stole their hearts as he pinned a koala bear toy to his tracksuit and then wished all the journalists a happy Australia day.
The man who has been asked by the Serbian prime minister to consider a career in politics is not thinking too far ahead. "I'm just trying to embrace this moment and enjoy it as much as I can and see where tomorrow brings me," he said.
At 25, the fun-loving Serb has grown from strength to strength in the last few years beating the best the sport has to offer. Djokovic has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray and David Ferrer en route to his six Slams and now has the French Open title on his radar. Djokovic has won the Australian Open, the US Open and Wimbledon and now just needs to win on the red stuff in Paris to record the incredible feat.
The way the laid-back prankster is playing, there is a very good chance that he will realise his dream. The clay has not always been a surface that he has enjoyed but after reaching the semifinals and final in the French capital, Novak believes the Musketeers trophy is begging to be added to his ever-expanding cabinet.
The return of the "King of Clay", Nadal, may be the biggest obstacle the "Aussie Open King" faces, but Djokovic is mentally so strong and now possesses a game that can exploit any surface. A fascinating year of tennis lies ahead. Next stop Roland Garros.
