Djokovic's California dream could continue in Miami

"With only 20 years of age, I've achieved a lot in my life," said the winner of the weekend's Indian Wells title in California, who is heading into a trophy defence starting Wednesday in Miami.

 "But the season is long and the career is long, so hopefully, I can have this kind of life in the next 10, 15 years," he said. "I'll try to do that and just be focused on that.

 "It's been a dream start, of course."

   Djokovic said his goal this year was to play consistently. "I've done that that in a very, very small amount of time," he said.

 Those proud words are sure to be noted by the flagging top two in the men's game, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

 Neither has won a title with nearly a quarter of the season gone. Federer is suffering through a crisis possibly driven by health concerns - he said he's over a bout with the mononucleosis virus - and Nadal has not won a trophy since July in Stuttgart with a pair of semi-finals his best results so far in 2008.

 Meanwhile, Djokovic is running the table, winning both the Australian Open and the first Masters Series of the season.

 The confident Serb faces a huge test in south Florida as he defends the crown that he won over Guillermo Canas a year ago.

 "It's a big run," the number three said of his 2008 success. "I'm starting to believe in myself much more than I did last year.

 "When you start winning major events, you have proved to yourself that you have quality to be there at the top. It's just a matter of mental ability and mental strength."

   Djokovic charges into Miami with momentum on his side" "I don't want to stop here. I'll try to keep going in Miami. Coming from Indian Wells as tournament winner, it's much easier to play."

   With millions of dollars in the bank and one of the brightest futures in the game, Djokovic said he frequently has to pinch himself.

 "I'm really trying to stay with both legs on the earth and just be focused on the tennis," he said.

By Bill Scott, dpa