Novak Djokovic fourth time Dubai Duty Free Tennis Champion?

World number one Novak Djokovic is eyeing his historic fourth consecutive title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, which begins on Monday. The Serbian, who won five Grand Slam titles and has been enjoying a dream run since last year, will face Germany’ Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in his first match here.

While talking to reporters at a round table conference at the Burj Al Arab on Sunday, Djokovic said: “Every tournament is different and every year is different obviously. I am looking forward to this week. I have been always playing my best tennis in Dubai. I had a lot of success in the last couple of years. So I have a reason to believe that I can perform equally well this year.

Serbia to honor Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has been awarded the top state honor in Serbia.

President Boris Tadic has announced the tennis great will receive the Karadjordjeva Star Medal, the highest honor in the Balkan country.

Djokovic deserves the medal for “special merits in representing Serbia,” Tadic said Tuesday.

Djokovic will formally receive the medal at a ceremony on Wednesday marking Serbia’s statehood day.

Novak Djokovic interview with ESPN tennis analyst Patrick McEnroe

McENROE: People ask me, “What’s been the difference for Novak? The serve? The forehand?”

NOVAK: It’s true that I have improved but by a very small percentage. It’s the same game I’ve had the last couple of years; it’s my mental approach on the court that’s changed. That was the difference. I stepped it up. I matured and said, “It’s my time. I can do it. I can win major titles.” I think luck falls on not just the brave but also the ones who believe they belong there.

Novak Djokovic withdraws in Paris

Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Paris Masters with a nagging shoulder injury before his quarterfinal match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday.

The top-ranked Djokovic announced on his website that the injury got worse after his third-round comeback win against fellow Serb Viktor Troicki on Thursday.

“Sadly I have to inform you that I have withdrawn from the tournament. I have pushed myself to the limit by playing, and after the match yesterday my shoulder got worse,” Djokovic wrote. “For this reason, I have to put my health first and withdraw even though my urges as a professional player are making me want to play until the last drop of energy.”

Novak Djokovic out of Paris Masters with hurt shoulder

PARIS -- Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Paris Masters with a nagging shoulder injury before his quarterfinal match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday.

The top-ranked Djokovic announced on his website that the injury got worse after his third-round comeback win against fellow Serb Viktor Troicki on Thursday.

"Sadly I have to inform you that I have withdrawn from the tournament. I have pushed myself to the limit by playing, and after the match yesterday my shoulder got worse," Djokovic wrote. "For this reason, I have to put my health first and withdraw even though my urges as a professional player are making me want to play until the last drop of energy."