Djokovic inspired by father's health battle
Novak Djokovic, who just
won the 2012 ATP World Tour Finals, said his ailing father's struggle with serious illness had inspired him.
Nole pay tribute to his father after his gritty victory over Roger Federer.
"It's been a very long year, a very long two years, but very successful two years," Djokovic said.
"I didn't really know how I would follow up after my incredible 2011, but I believed that I have to use the time where I'm playing the best tennis of my life.
"It was a fantastic year, where I've had to face a lot of difficulties off the court as well. Especially coming into this tournament, having my father fighting his own fight for health gave me extra strength that I wanted to play for him in a way.
"That's one of the reasons I really gave it all every match, especially tonight. This was a title for him."
Djokovic's father has been seriously ill with a respiratory problem and Djokovic has spent hours on the phone over the past eight days monitoring his progress.
"I actually feel even more satisfied right now than last year, even though I had an incredible 2011," he said.
"I feel this year, considering the circumstances that I had to face on and off the court, expectations, all these things, I believe that this year has been even more successful for me."
"I was playing really great tennis throughout the whole week," Djokovic said.
"The first match, you know, still feeling a little bit rusty on the court. But I won against Andy (Murray).
"That was a big confidence booster for me. You know, every match after that I felt like I played really very close to the top of my game.
"Tonight whenever I needed to, to come up with some really good shots, really focus myself and get every ball back in the court, I've done that. I cannot be more thrilled."
Source AP
Photo AP
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