• ATP Tour

Djokovic reveals reason behind 2011 sucess

Novak Djokovic fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he won Wimbledon © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Candid Federer picks holes in Murray successes
  
• Features: Murray out to spoil Federer's party
  
• News: Murray poised to strike in 2012 - Rusedski
  
• News: Murray pitted against Djokovic at ATP World Tour Finals
  
• News: Djokovic withdraws in Paris
  
• Profile: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic insists he never took a single moment of his glorious season for granted, and believes his ability to stay grounded was the reason for his success in 2011.

Djokovic already has the year-end world No. 1 ranking wrapped up, but he is looking to "finish off the season in style" at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Serb is struggling with a shoulder injury, but victory at the O2 Arena would crown a truly remarkable season, in which Djokovic claimed 10 titles, including three grand slams - and an extraordinary 69 wins from 73 matches.

But despite achieving two lifelong dreams in the space of a week - winning Wimbledon and being crowned world No. 1 - Djokovic insists he has managed to keep his feet on the ground.

"You need to be satisfied with any success in sport and life," he said in an interview with The Times. "You don't need a huge celebration but there is an inner satisfaction and you have to appreciate it.

"Even the small things, like leaving home one hour before the flight and making it on time to check in, a stupid example I know, but you have to appreciate things when they go right.

"This year, success after success, grand slam after grand slam, it was coming up all the time, but it is because I was thankful to have the opportunity and I stayed with both feet on the ground but wanting more, wanting more, focused for every tournament and not carried away with each success. I guess that's why it happened."

Roger Federer's recent resurgence sees him the favourite to win a record sixth year-end title, but although he admits victory in London would make his season complete, Djokovic insists he feels no pressure.

He said: "I don't feel obliged to win the tournament in order to make this season perfect but I will do my best to prepare and finish off the season in style."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.