Younger Djokovic wants to make his own name

Marko Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Jarkko Nieminen of Finland during their first round match at the Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok September 24, 2008.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Being the younger brother of one of the world's top tennis players is a bonus, says Serbian teenager Marko Djokovic, though he is determined to earn fame from his own game.

Seventeen-year-old Marko lost on his ATP tour main draw debut on Wednesday but said he was sure the experience would help him to follow in big brother Novak's footsteps.

"Being here is amazing, playing in the ATP is a huge experience," said Marko, who was thrashed 6-2 6-0 by Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in round one of the Thailand Open. "I'm happy to play -- very, very happy."

Marko said attention often turned on him because of Novak's achievements, including victory in this year's Australian Open and runner-up spot in the 2007 U.S. Open.

"There's a lot of expectation but there are positives and negatives," he said. "He helps me so much with things, with my fitness, my game, but the negative thing is it puts me under pressure.

"Everyone expects me to be like him, they come to watch me play because I'm his brother.

"People have told me I play with the same technique as Novak," he added. "They say it's like watching him. My backhand is very similar to his."

Although comparisons with the world number three are flattering, Marko wants to be his own man.

"I'm trying to think like him, I've watched him all my life, but I'm also trying to be my own player," he said. "I want to be Marko, not Novak's brother."

The pair are doubles partners in Bangkok this week. Novak is top seed for the singles and starts his campaign on Thursday against German Simon Stadler.

(Editing by Clare Fallon)