Djokovic aims for the top

Youzhny to meet Ljubicic in final

FROM THE ABN AMRO IN ROTTERDAM – Novak Djokovic earned his third career Top-10 win on Friday, when the 19-year old Serb beat Tommy Robredo in a nail-biter, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 for a spot in the semi-finals. On Saturday, he fought hard but couldn't convert three match points and fell to Mikhail Youzhny 3-6, 7-6(7), 7-5.

Djokovic won his first career ATP title at the '06 Amersfoort, and is one of the game's brightest prospects, alongside Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils.

The current No. 14 says he knows people are expecting a lot from the new generation players. "There's always pressure. If you don't have pressure, something is wrong. There are a lot of expectations on me and Murray, Gasquet, Monfils. People expect us to be the new Top-10 players. I try not to think about it or you will have too much pressure."

Whereas Andy Murray is more of a counter-puncher, Berdych a power hitter and Gasquet the technician, Djokovic seems to have a little bit of everything. The Serb knows how to hit a flat-out screamer, but likes to mix things up with some topspin shots and short balls. He is also a great defender, retrieving a lot of balls by moving well on court. In order to settle in amongst the world's best players, Djokovic must improve his serve, and his volleying needs to get stronger. Also, he needs to learn how to step up on the important moments and go for the percentages. "Nole" can still be a little reckless at times.

What's in his favor is his iron will to win, no matter who he's facing or how big the tournament he's playing is. "Every tournament I go to I want to win. I've been thinking like this all my life," he said.

Djokovic says he wants to break the Top 10 in 2007, and become the No. 1 player at some point in his career. "Top 10 is my goal for this year. Everybody expects I reach the Top 10 very soon, but I am thinking step by step, match by match. My lifetime goal is to achieve the No. 1 ranking. People are saying the new generation players are a danger for [Roger] Federer, but he is maybe the best ever. I'm not trying to be No. 1 in one or two years. It doesn't matter if I'm 35 if I get it. But even if I don't get it I'm happy. I enjoy my life as a tennis player."

Djokovic refers to his first title on the clay of Amersfoort as the highlight of his career. "Amersfoort will always have a special place in my heart. You always remember the first title you won," he said. However, Djokovic could not say if he'll defend his title in The Netherlands. "I don't know yet. My coach and I will look at the calendar."

Despite his success on clay – Djokovic also reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros last year in his career best Grand Slam result – the Serb does not favor the dirt. "I am an all-round player," said Djokovic, who reached the fourth round of the Aussie Open before going down to Federer. "I can play good tennis on all surfaces, but I prefer a bit like this, not too fast." The indoor surface in Rotterdam is a slow hard court.

Youzhny's victory over Djokovic was his second in two weeks, as the 24-year-old Russian also beat him last week in Marseille in a third set tiebreak. He'll meet Ivan Ljubicic, who overcame Nikolay Davydenko in another classic confrontation 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(4).