“I try to stay with him” – Djokovic admits he is not as natural as Federer in certain aspects of the game

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5 years ago

Novak Djokovic celebrates after advancing into the finals of the ongoing Australian Open on Thursday. (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic overcame Roger Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance into the finals of the Australian Open

Australian Open finalist Novak Djokovic admitted that he is not as natural as Roger Federer in some aspects of the game following his win over the Swiss maestro in their semi-final clash at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

After overcoming Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3, Djokovic has now booked his place in the finals of the Australian Open for the 8^thtime in his career.

Novak Djokovic celebrates after advancing into the finals of the ongoing Australian Open on Thursday. (Getty Images)

The 16-time Grand Slam champion was answering to questions posed by one of the tournament broadcasters and former player Jim Courier after his win against Federer.

When asked how he prepared himself for mentally demanding matches such as ones against Federer, Djokovic’s answer was that he tried his best to not make too many unforced errors.

“Well obviously with Roger, you kind of know that you are going to expect a very high level of tennis and that he is going to come out and be aggressive. My style against his style, obviously he is going to come more often to the net, and try to mix it up, play short slice, put constant pressure, play some serve and volleys,” Djokovic said.

“Obviously, I am not as natural as he is in those types of varieties in the game, but you know, I try to stay with him in the rally and kind of move him around and not make too many unforced errors as you said.”

Djokovic still leads head-to-head against Federer

With his latest victory over Federer, Djokovic has increased his lead to 27-23 against the 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer after facing each other 50 times in their career.

The Serbian also leads the Swiss 11-6 in the Grand Slam and 13-6 in finals proving his overall dominance against one of the best ever players the sport has produced.

Djokovic (right) and Roger Federer (left) shake hands after their semifinal clash at the Australian Open. (Getty Images)

Federer had been the dominant of the two during their early encounters, however, Djokovic has taken over the lead since 2016 making him one of Federer’s best ever rivals alongside another top player Rafael Nadal.