Dubai (dpa) – Novak Djokovic will be playing as much for his country as he is for himself when the top seed at the Dubai Championships begins play Monday against German outsider Cedrik-Marcel Stebe. World number one Djokovic will be competing for the first time since his nearly six-hour Australian open finals victory a month ago against Rafael Nadal. During his down-time, the 24-year-old went skiing for the first time in six years at the mountain where he grew up, accepted a Laureus sportsman award in London and was feted by the Serbian government with one of the highest civilian honors which the nation can bestow. Djokovic was clearly pleased Sunday with the impact his tennis has made on his nation, one of the newest in Europe, carved from the remnants of the former Yugoslavia. Serbian President Boris Tadic awarded the tennis hero the Order of the Karadjordje's Star of the first degree this month. “I don't consider myself a celebrity but I don't mind if other people call me that,” said Djokovic, winner of the last three editions in Dubai who defeated Roger Federer for the title a year ago. “What I've done has been through hard work and dedication and a love of tennis. “I'm happy to have received the highest award possible for an individual in Serbia. “It has gone to kings and royalty and politicians but also to regular people – someone who saved another's life. It's not who you are but what you have done. “I'm in an individual sport but I miss the team spirit, that's why I'm happy to play Davis Cup for my country, I also hope to win an Olympic medal for Serbia in London. You are always playing tennis with a flag next to your name. “It is very special to represent Serbia. We are a young country and have been through a lot over the last 20-30 years.” Djokovic, whose younger brother Marko received a wild card into Dubai, cannot help but be confident as he begins the spring hard-court run, with this week followed by Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami in March – both won a year ago by the Serb. “I'm at the peak of my form,” said the player who lost just seven matches last year and has won four of the last five Grand Slams. “I can expect to win most matches when I step onto the court. “I'm keeping up my same routine and good work and trying not to change a thing. I've had time to prepare for Dubai (after taking two weeks off after Australia). I feel well here.” Djokovic admits he knows nothing about his German opponent, who won a set off Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open first round. In fact, he had to ask his brother – who knows Stebe from juniors – what to look for. “I watched him play in Australia, he has a good attitude and does not fear the opponent. He hits very aggressively. The first match of a tournament is always tricky so I will have to be prepared.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/9saVL Tags: Djokovic, Dubai, Tennis Section: Sport, United Arab Emirates
