Novak Djokovic speaking to TV broadcaster and former player Jim Courier after his Australian Open semifinal win against Roger Federer. (Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic claimed that both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer made a significant difference in his mind and understanding of his own game, after advancing into the finals of the ongoing Australian Open.
A record seven-time Australian Open winner, Djokovic, once again reached the finals defeating Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the semi-final at the Rod Laver Arena.
On asked by TV broadcaster and former American tennis player Jim Courier as to how facing Federer had made him a better player, Djokovic had a rather funny reply.
Djokovic said that he hoped he had made Federer a 20 percent better player than what the Swiss had done to him, which was received with laughter from the crowd.
“I mean of course he is one of my two biggest rivals. Throughout my life I have played most of my matches, Grand Slams, against Rafa and Roger. So, these two guys have definitely made a significant difference in my mind and understanding of my own game and what it really takes to win against them,” the Serbian explained.
He later evoked memories of his first-ever Grand Slam title, which surprisingly he had won on the same arena, back in 2008 and added that it took a lot of thinking, belief and work to challenge both Nadal and Federer.
Djokovic’s next opponent will be decided only on Friday when two young and upcoming stars – Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem face clash against each other.
Zverev is making his maiden appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final while it is Thiem’s first Australian Open semis respectively.
Meanwhile, Djokovic and Zverev have met each other just five times in their career and Djokovic has a slight 3-2 advantage over the German until now.
On the other hand, 2nd seed Djokovic has a 6-4 advantage over Austrian Thiem and whoever wins on Friday it would surely be an entertaining encounter.
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