Rod Laver, a legend of the game, was there to witness Novak Djokovic winning his quarter-final over Milos Raonic at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic paid his respects to tennis legend Rod Laver by saying that he felt honoured to have the 11-time Grand Slam winner watch his Australian Open quarter-final clash against Milos Raonic on Tuesday.
The Serbian, a record seven-time winner of the Australian Open, meanwhile, cruised into the semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 win against the Canadian at the Rod Laver Arena, which was named after the legend.
When asked what it felt to be the greatest ever player to have played in the Rod Laver Arena by John McEnroe, a smiling Djokovic looked directly at Rod Laver, who was sitting in the box, before giving his reply.
“Obviously I am honoured to have Rod Laver to represent tonight for our match. Thank you so much for coming. It’s an honour to have you here tonight,” the Croatian replied.
On a lighter note, he continued saying that the presence of such big names such as Laver and other legends watching their game from the stands added more pressure.
“And it adds more pressure for sure seeing Rod and all the Australian and international legends of our sport sitting in the box, you know watching us play, watching our every move,” Djokovic was heard saying.
Happy to be in Australia
He concluded saying that he felt he was fortunate to play at the highest level for such a long time and that the Australian Open has undoubtedly been his most favourite tournament ever.
“You know I have been fortunate to play at such a high level for so many years and this has been without a doubt my favourite court, favourite tournament, I love being here.”
More tennis news:
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- “Excuse me, what did you ask me” – Djokovic jokes about coach Ivanisevic being inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame
- Nadal About Kyrgios: ‘he is very good for our sport’
Djokovic doesn’t have an easy task in his next clash as he is up against another legend, Roger Federer.
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