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Physical superiority a product of hard work - Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has highlighted the extent of his physical preparation © PA Photos

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Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has revealed proving his physical superiority over Rafael Nadal in the final has given him almost as much satisfaction as the victory itself.

Djokovic won a battle of both technical skill and endurance to defeat his Spanish rival in the longest final in grand slam history in Melbourne last month, one of the most memorable contests in the sport's illustrious history.

Having focused intensively on improving his physical traits in order to reach his current status as the top-ranked player in the world, Djokovic admits beating a player renowned for his unrelenting nature in the most testing conditions of all has proven a satisfying reward for all his hard work.

"It's been a week and I think physically I'm recovering," Djokovic said, after picking up the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award on Monday. "At this age, there are no excuses. I have to recover.

"My impressions [of the final] are the same. It's been the most exciting match of my life. We went the distance of six hours, made history.

"[Recently] I have become more disciplined and more aware of the things that are going on around me and not spending irrational energy off the court, but keeping this enjoyment and fun activities - this live spirit. I always intended to enjoy every single moment of my tennis life, but, definitely, topping Nadal physically was an incredible achievement for me, not just winning against him on the court."

While unwilling to reveal the extent of his training regime, Djokovic acknowledged that a lot of time and planning has gone into what he works on with fitness coach Gebhard Phil-Gristch.

"We are working on the endurance, the flexibility, but that is all I can really say," he noted. "I don't want to reveal the secrets but in my eyes I don't believe a tennis player should be muscular.

"It is more important to be dynamic, explosive, flexible and to have the right endurance because all the movements we have on the court are from the first and second step - very important to have the anticipation and agility because that helps you in the short and the long run, relying on your endurance. I need to be fast and that is the way I am and it's working for now."

With that training in place, Djokovic admits the career Grand Slam remains his key goal for 2012.

"I think everything is possible," he said. "I have to stay optimistic. I have to believe in what I do and believe in my abilities and that I can win on all surfaces.

"Obviously, Roland Garros is the one to win this year. All the grand slams and Olympic Games, they are my priorities this year."

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