Djokovic: 'Miami Was A Big Springboard'

© Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic first won the Sony Ericsson Open title in 2007.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is looking forward to beginning his title defense at the Sony Ericsson Open, having edged then top-ranked Rafael Nadal in a thrilling three-set final last year. The Serbian, who saw his career take off after winning his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title five years ago in Miami, praised the tournament’s location.

“I have done well in Miami. This is actually the first big event that I won back in 2007,” Djokovic said Friday. “I had couple of great wins. It was a big springboard for me, for my career.

“I think Miami is very entertaining city, very multi cultured [and] international.  You can see a lot of people from different parts of the world coming here to support their tennis players. It's always nice weather and there's a lot to do, really. It's a beautiful place that can offer a lot of enjoyment.

Djokovic successfully defended his Australian Open crown in January and is now aiming to repeat as champion at a Masters 1000 event for the first time. But the 24 year old isn’t banking on his status, stating, “The term ‘defending champion’ sounds a little bit stagnated, sounds a little bit flat, like you're waiting for something and not doing really anything.

“So I'd rather prefer to be in this group of players who is chasing the title, fighting for it, and not actual actually waiting for it to be handed to me.”

The top seed is 14-2 on the season, but has lost in the semi-finals of his past two events, falling to Andy Murray in Dubai and John Isner in Indian Wells.

“I'm really trying to fight for the title. I'm here to fight for it as any other player,” said Djokovic.  “I believe that every season is different, every year is different, every tournament, every week is different.”