Newlywed Novak Djokovic will try to give himself more reason to celebrate this week as he returns to the hardcourts of North America at the ATP Masters at Toronto with the US Open on the horizon.
The number one-ranked Serb, who has lifted the trophy three times in the tournament that alternates between Toronto and Montreal, is seeking another strong run to further separate himself atop the rankings from injured world number two Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard, who won the 2013 Canadian crown as well as the Cincinnati Masters, has withdrawn from both events this year to nurse a right wrist injury -- raising fears he could also miss the final Grand Slam of the season at Flushing Meadows, where he is also the defending champion.
His absence leaves Djokovic as the favorite in Toronto, and despite a "terrible draw" that could have him meeting eighth-seeded Andy Murray in the quarter-finals the 27-year-old was in high spirits after winning Wimbledon and getting married, with his first child to be born soon.
"It's been probably the best month I've had in my life with the Wimbledon title, a wedding and of course a baby coming up," Djokovic said.
"I'm going back to the business, back to my office, but of course filled with positive energy, with joy, all the beautiful emotions that a person can experience right now.
"Hopefully I can use that to perform well on the tennis court."
Roger Federer, who won Canada in 2004 and 2006, is seeded second in his quest for a third title of 2014.
He'll be returning to action for the first time since falling to Djokovic in a five-set final at Wimbledon.
The father of four, who turns 33 next Friday, has spent a relaxed few weeks in the Alps with his family and is gearing up for a serious run at his first US Open trophy since 2008.
Federer is followed in the seedings by compatriot Stan Wawrinka, the Australian Open and Monte Carlo champion.
Acknowledging that his breakthrough season has taken something of a toll, Wawrinka skipped a date last month as headliner on his home claycourts at Gstaad, saying he needed both a mental and physical break.
"I need to be ready for the last few months of the season," he said. "It's a long series and it will be tough for sure," he said of the hardcourt buildup to Flushing Meadows.
"It will be another big challenge," added Wawrinka, whose best Canadian showing was a quarter-final appearance three years ago. "I'm trying to be fit and to do everything possible not to be injured."
The top eight seeds all have first-round byes, with Djokovic slated to open his campaign against either Czech Radek Stepanek or oft-injured Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Federer will open against either Canadian wild card Peter Polansky or Poland's Jerzy Janowicz.
Czech Tomas Berdych, bounced as top seed in Washington this week by Canadian Vasek Pospisil, is seeded fourth, ahead of Spain's David Ferrer.
Canadian Milos Raonic is seeded sixth, and his home fans will be expecting great things after his runner-up finish to Nadal last year and his first Grand Slam semi-final appearance at Wimbledon.
Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov will test his fitness after withdrawing because of illness from Washington while eighth-seeded Murray will venture onto court for the first time since his Wimbledon quarter-final humiliation against Dimitrov.
Australian Nick Kyrgios, who stunned Nadal in the fourth round at Wimbledon, plays on a wild card.
The 19-year-old faces Santiago Giraldo in the first round with the winner to play Murray.
Source: AFP
GMT 08:12 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Ghana looks to convert grassroots rugby into global successGMT 06:23 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
S. Korea's 'Peace Olympics' meet backlash at homeGMT 07:22 2018 Monday ,22 January
Relieved Rafa survives test as Dimitrov ousts KyrgiosGMT 07:05 2018 Monday ,22 January
Lewandowski, Mueller star as Bayern go 16 points clearGMT 09:36 2018 Sunday ,21 January
FedExpress steams on as Sharapova grindsGMT 05:28 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Failed ski resort looms over Pyeongchang Games' legacyGMT 04:58 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Nadal ominous in Melbourne as Dimitrov gets back on trackGMT 07:23 2018 Friday ,19 January
Djokovic survives brutal Melbourne heat testMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor