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Djokovic plays down personal problems

Novak Djokovic is the defending US Open champion © Getty Images

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Novak Djokovic has dismissed concerns over reported "personal problems" affecting his game, insisting he is feeling stronger ahead of this year's US Open than when he won it 12 months ago.

Djokovic's extremely high standards have slipped in comparison to the astonishing feats of his 2011 season, when he won three grand slam titles. This year he has picked up only the Australian Open, failing to emerge victorious at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games.

It was suggested, by Djokovic's first coach Jelena Gencic, that he was not 100 per cent due to personal issues. However, that is a suggestion the Serbian rejects.

"I'm sure she didn't mean any harm. Everybody has problems," Djokovic said. "My problems are much smaller than an average person's problems. I cannot complain about my life."

Djokovic has found form over recent weeks, winning in Toronto before reaching the final of Cincinnati. As he prepares for the defence of his US Open crown, he insists his physical fitness is better than when he entered Flushing Meadows last season.

"I love playing in this tournament; the last five years I have had lots of success. It's incredible and a very unique feeling to come back to New York as defending champion," Djokovic said.

"It's been a long season and a long summer, but my year has been really good. I actually try to always look from a positive side.

"I do feel physically stronger and [more] prepared than I did last year. Mentally I had some ups and downs throughout the season, but I think that was maybe expected in a way. It's normal to have ups and downs."

Djokovic enters this year's US Open as the world No. 2 behind Roger Federer, while in the women's game Maria Sharapova has dropped to third in the rankings below Agnieszka Radwanska.

Men's Rankings: 1. Roger Federer (SWI), 2. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 3. Rafael Nadal (SPA), 4. Andy Murray (GBR), 5. David Ferrer (SPA), 6. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), 7. Tomas Berdych (CZE), 8. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG), 9. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB), 10. John Isner (USA).

Women's Rankings: 1. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 2. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), 3. Maria Sharapova (RUS), 4. Serena Williams (USA), 5. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 6. Angelique Kerber (GER), 7. Sam Stosur (AUS), 8. Li Na (CHI), 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN), 10. Sara Errani (ITA).

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