Murray and Roger Ready to Handle The Pressure While Djokovic Goes Under A Transformation

Wimbledon is about to begin and the first round matches that begin on Monday are sure to be extremely interesting and exciting. Fans have been lining up for tickets 48 hours before the opening of tournament, willing to camp out for their turn to enjoy delicious strawberries and cream, and maybe even some delightful tennis as well.

Murray will be playing on center court on Monday. He faces Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan. Murray will garner a lot of attention from the media and British fans who will cheer on their country man. There is also the added pressure of trying to match up to Briton Fred Perry’s three time Wimbledon wins. Murray will also be defending his number one ranking, and although Murray claims that his hip injury is no longer an issue, there could still be many lingering doubts in his mind.

“Maybe it adds a little bit of extra pressure. Maybe a few more nerves, especially at this Slam with the way the scheduling is, that you’re the first one out there on Center Court. You feel like you’re opening up the tournament a little bit, and that adds a few more nerves. But I feel OK. I’ve felt fairly calm the last few days, considering how I’ve been feeling,” said Murray.

Roger may be feeling the heat as well, being one of the biggest favorites and trying to win his eight Wimbledon title, a record achievement. Eyes will be on the once world number one and the man who once dominated the entire tour, especially because the beginning of the year was extremely fruitful for the player.

When asked about why he took a 10 week break during clay season, Roger said, ” That was the decision for me- no compromise really.”

“To give myself the best chance for the grass, so I would never look back and have regrets once I came here.”

On the other hand, Djokovic seems to be turning a new lead and focusing on adopting a new mentality; a mentality that seems to be the complete opposite of how he usually used to think and play. With a new routine and new coaches, Djokovic seems to be going through a transformation. With his recent Eastbourne title win against Gael Monfils, the first grass court event other than Wimbledon he has played since 2010, and the addition of Mario Ancic to his coaching team, it seems to be the season of change for Novak.

“I used to base all my happiness on winning a tennis match. I think many athletes today are doing that. So I try not to do that anymore, because it’s not like I don’t care, but winning and losing a tennis match, absolutely not. Of course, I would love to win every single tennis match I play in, but I don’t try to take that as a very essential moment in my life, which determines my happiness.”

Seems like sports psychology being put into play here. Let’s see if it helps Novak at Wimbledon in any way.

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