• Australian Open, Day 14

Djokovic: Victory will set me up for career Slam bid

ESPN staff
January 27, 2013
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open for a fourth time © AP
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Novak Djokovic believes his victory at the Australian Open will set him up for the rest of the season as he bids to secure a career Grand Slam at the French Open.

Djokovic became the first man in the Open era to win three straight titles at Melbourne Park as he defeated Andy Murray 6-7(2) 7-6(3) 6-3 6-2 on Sunday.

While the Serb was keen to savour the moment and not look too far ahead, he admitted victory at Roland Garros remains an unfulfilled ambition, having come agonisingly close to holding all four majors when he succumbed to Rafael Nadal in last year's final.

"Every tournament, especially the major tournaments, is very special," Djokovic said. "So every win, of course also adding to that the history part, you know, winning it three in a row, it's incredible. It's very thrilling. I'm full of joy right now. It's going to give me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season, that's for sure.

"Priority for me now is to enjoy this victory. In life, you know, you don't get many of the opportunities to win grand slams. As a tennis player, that's a pinnacle of the ambitions and of the success. So I try to enjoy it for few days with the people I love the most, family, friends, and team. And then after I turn to the rest of the season.

"There is still four or five months till the French Open. Of course, I want to go all the way in French Open. I went to the finals last year and had a great match against Rafa, but he's always the favourite on that surface and he's the ultimate player to beat on clay. But I think if I continue on playing well, stay healthy, I can have a chance."

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