Novak Djokovic gave his Wimbledon hopes a boost by winning the Eastbourne International final against Gael Monfils in straight sets Saturday. Djokovic won 6-3, 6-4 for his first title since January in Qatar. "Hopefully, I'll be able to take the performance here and a good level of confidence into Wimbledon," Djokovic said. It was also mission accomplished for Djokovic. After losing in the French Open quarterfinals, and needing a fillip, he decided to play a grass event before Wimbledon for the first time in seven years, and received a wild card for his first trip to Eastbourne. He broke Monfils to start and finish the first set. In the second, he saved three break points, and broke Monfils to cap the final and improve to 14-0 against the Frenchman on the tour. It's the 68th career title for Djokovic, and his first on grass outside of Wimbledon, which he won in 2011, 2014, and 2015. Djokovic looked to have regained his confidence and form just in time for another concerted Wimbledon assault. He confirmed on court that his friend, former Croatian player Mario Ancic, would be a new part of his coaching team, along with Andre Agassi, at Wimbledon next week. "It was my first time at Eastbourne and I hope I can see you guys in the years to come," Djokovic told the crowd. "This is the best possible preparation for next week, so hopefully I can go on from here." The ever-popular Monfils could only congratulate his conqueror and note ruefully: "Well done, Novak. We played for the 14th time and it's 14-0. Well done again!" Djokovic, who lifted his 68th career title and his first grasscourt title outside Wimbledon, now heads for the Grand Slam in good heart as he seeks a fourth title there, where he will enjoy having 33-year-old Ancic in his coaching corner. "Mario's my very good friend," said Djokovic. "Once he was number seven in the world and he beat (Roger) Federer at Wimbledon. He was very talented but was very unfortunate with injuries and illnesses that ended his career early. "But we always stayed in touch and he's one of the closest friends I ever had on the tour. He took a different direction in life, in the finiancial business, but I've dragged him back over to the sport. "Now I'm really glad to spend time with him, and Agassi as well, in London." At Wimbledon, Djokovic will seek to become the first player to win an ATP World Tour title and a Grand Slam in consecutive weeks since Patrick Rafter won Long Island and the US Open in 1998. — Agencies
