Djokovic, Williams Enter Wimbledon From Different Directions

Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are entering the Wimbledon fortnight from different directions, but both said Sunday that they will not let expectations affect their title defenses.

Earlier this month, Djokovic finally captured his long-awaited French Open title, a cathartic victory that completed his collection of Grand Slam wins. Still, the world No. 1 said the pressure to win more does not diminish.

"Pressure is part of what we do," Djokovic said in his pre-Wimbledon news conference. "It's inevitable to face this kind of sensation as a top player, being expected to do well and to go as far as last four at least in the tournament or finals.

"But you know, the more you get to face this kind of pressures and emotions, the more you get used to them. The better you are in coping with it and handling it."

By winning the Australian Open to kick off the season and then the French, Djokovic is halfway to completing the rare season Grand Slam, a feat that was last accomplished by Rod Laver in 1969.

Williams, after winning the first three Grand Slams of 2015, has failed in her attempts to match Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 major titles. Williams took a stunning loss in the US Open semifinals last year, and has fallen short in the finals of each of this season's first two slam events. She has won only a single title this season, in Rome.

While many have suggested Williams has succumbed to the weight of the moment, the world No. 1 disagrees.

"Honestly, I don't feel any pressure," she succinctly said in her Wimbledon news conference. "I feel good and confident."

Dating back to Wimbledon last year, Djokovic has won four straight major titles and accumulated nearly twice as many rankings points as world No. 2 Andy Murray. -- BY ESPN