Abu Dhabi: They are no fans of Novak Djokovic, but even they would not have wanted to miss out on the opportunity to be part of a coaching session by Marian Vajda, coach of the World No 1 player.
Vajda, who has been instrumental in taking the Serb from 87th in the world in 2006 to the top in 2011, dedicated time on the practice courts to help develop the emerging talent of the UAE during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The one-hour coaching session focused on the technical aspects of the game, giving the up and coming UAE national squad an insight into the current techniques used by the world number 1 and other leading international players.
Thirteen-year-old Fahd Janahi, 12-year-old Faris Al Janahi and 10-year-old Majid Al Janahi are part of the UAE junior teams and the trio told XPRESS why, despite their ‘dislike' of the reigning Australian, Wimbledon and US Open champion, they were not averse to being coached by his coach.
"Honestly, none of us are big fans of Djokovic," Fahd, the eldest of the cousins, said.
"Personally, I like Roger Federer and then Rafael Nadal."
Both Faris and Majid are Federer fans as well and the former said: "There is no particular reason we don't like Djokovic, at least not now. But earlier in his career we didn't like the way he celebrated his wins, pumping his fists, beating his chest and all that. He should have showed more respect for his opponents."
Not even into his teens, but Faris has already managed to grasp the gist of Vajda's coaching. "Marian told us the importance of technique and the legs. He told us to run whenever we can," he said.
Fahd revealed that he had asked Vajda about Djokovic's serve. "The coach told me that Djokovic's serve is one area that has been the key to his incredible run in 2011. It's so much better now," he said.
Another key to Djokovic's success, according to Vajda, was his planning before a Grand Slam. "The coach told us how it is important to practise more before a major tournament than play matches," Majid said.
