Djokovic to sound out Woodforde
Djokovic to sound out Woodforde
Former Australian Captain January 28, 2008
NOVAK Djokovic hasn’t ruled out a reunion with Australian doubles great Mark Woodforde as he continues to hunt down Roger Federer and his world No.1 ranking.
The newly-crowned Australian Open champion employed Woodforde for a month during the American hardcourt season last year to improve his volleying skills.
Their brief liaison reaped immediate rewards, Djokovic finishing runner-up
to world No.2 Rafael Nadal in Indian Wells and winning his first Masters Series event the next week in Miami.
The 20-year-old Serb has soared from No.13 to No.3 in the rankings since working with Woodforde but has identified sharpening his net play further as a key to reaching the summit.
Djokovic said he would sound out the US-based Woodforde about possibly teaming up again in March.
“That’s one of the options,” said tennis’s newest grand slam champion.
“But, for now, I’m feeling pretty happy with the team and the surroundings which I have.
“It’s still open with Mark. We haven’t actually talked about working this season, but everything is possible – maybe in Indian Wells because he lives there.
“We’ll talk.
“I still need to improve my net game. I’m intending to go more to the net to use my opportunities because I have great groundstrokes and (am a) pretty aggressive player.
“I’m really looking to work on this element of the game so I can improve and be first player of the world.”
AAP