Djokovic already looking ahead to time off, French Open

By Bill Scott Jan 29, 2012, 18:23 GMT

Melbourne - Three-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic will warn his friends away from talking tennis over the next few weeks as the world number one decompresses after his record-setting victory against Rafael Nadal.

'Yes, I'll definitely give them that message,' said the Serb who struggled for a Grand Slam finals record five hours, 53 minutes to defeat Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 and claim a fifth major career trophy.

While beaten finalist Nadal takes February off to prepare for a packed-out season which includes the London Olympics, Djokovic has planned at least a fortnight away from the game.

Bit in the back of his mind is his next major challenge, the French Open staring in the last week of May.

'I'm prioritising Grand Slams this year, as every year, and the Olympic Games,' said the winner. 'I think that's one of my highest goals.

'That doesn't mean of course that I'm not gonna prepare well and perform my best on the other tournaments. It's just that the Grand Slams matter the most.'

Djokovic gave full credit to beaten opponent Nadal, who has now lost seven straight finals against him.

'I was in that position a couple years ago, losing most of the semi-finals and finals against him and Roger (Federer) in Grand Slams so I know how it feels. 'I really thought what I said sincerely on the court, is that unfortunately there had to only be one winner because we both gave it all. We both put 100 per cent of our abilities on the court and played to the last moment.

'Unfortunately there couldn't be two winners, but he definitely deserved to be a winner as well tonight. You know, I would be saying same thing if I'm sitting here as a loser.'

Djokovic has reached the Roland Garros semi-finals on three times but has yet to go further.

'I want to do well and I want to get the first final at least in Paris. I have a feeling that I'm ready this year to achieve that.'

The Serb scored a breakaway in 2011, winning 70 matches. losing six and claiming ten titles including three of the four majors.

He accepts that the same run of extraordinary form might not be repeatable.

'If that's the way, then I guess I will have to accept it the way it is,' he said.

'I'm not really concerned about the rest of the year how physically I'm gonna endure and all of that. It's just the start of the year. I'm gonna have some weeks off now, and I'm gonna try to enjoy this victory as much as I can. 'Then back to office, back to work, preparation. There is much that awaits for me, but I definitely should enjoy the present moment.'