Djokovic: ‘It’s Never Easy To Play Roger’

Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic showed good form to start the year at the inaugural ATP Cup, where he won all six of his singles matches and the two doubles matches he played to lead Serbia to the title. The question was, could the World No. 2 carry that level into Melbourne for the season’s first Grand Slam?

Djokovic has answered that with a resounding ‘Yes’, losing only one set en route to the championship match following a straight-sets victory against 20-time major titlist Roger Federer on Thursday in the semi-finals.

“I’m pleased with the way I’ve been feeling and playing. I thought [the] ATP Cup went really well for me, got a lot of hours spent on the court, singles and doubles. It was a great lead-up for [the] Australian Open. Obviously got a lot of positive energy from that competition,” Djokovic said. “I dropped only one set so far up to the finals. I have two days of no matches right now, which actually is really good. It gives me more time to recuperate and gather all the necessary energy for the final.”

Leading into the pair’s 50th ATP Head2Head clash, there was uncertainty surrounding Federer’s condition, as the Swiss admitted to not feeling at his best physically during a grueling five-set quarter-final in which he saved seven match points against Tennys Sandgren. Djokovic fell behind immediately, trailing 1-4 and 0/40 on his serve in the first set before turning the match around.

“I was trying to focus on myself, been told by the team as well to prioritise my own things rather than really thinking about how he’s feeling or how he’s going to move, how he’s going to play. But it’s easier said than done,” Djokovic said. “When I was on the court at the beginning, I was really paying too much attention on his movement, what he was really doing. I wasn’t in the right balance. I wasn’t hitting the ball. I wasn’t executing the shots the way I wanted.

“After clinching the first set, which was crucial, I think I relaxed more and kind of started swinging through the ball better. I felt more in control of the match in the second and third set.”

Federer said after the match he got a scan following his quarter-final and did not practise on his off day Wednesday. But Djokovic knew regardless of Federer’s condition that he would face a tough test.

“It’s never easy to play Roger. I mean, obviously he was hurting. You could see it in his movement. Respect to him for trying his best. After losing the first set, he got a medical. He came back and played all the way through. That’s really worth respect. It’s unfortunate that he was not at his best,” Djokovic said. “I still think he played pretty well. He was coming to the net and trying to mix things up. I don’t know exactly to what degree his injury is, but when you’re feeling a little bit hurt, you kind of go for your shots even more.”

Djokovic is now 15-0 once reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open. And not only is the 32-year-old one win from claiming an eighth title in Melbourne and clawing closer to Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (19) in the race for the most Grand Slam trophies, lifting the trophy on Sunday will also return him to the No. 1 FedEx ATP Ranking for the first time since last 28 October.

Last Australian Open, Djokovic put forth a flawless performance against Nadal in the championship match, losing only eight games. He will try to find similar form against Dominic Thiem or Alexander Zverev on Sunday.

“[There is] no such thing really as perfection. You try to get as close to that [as possible]. Last year’s Grand Slam final performance was probably the best Grand Slam final performance I’ve ever had against Rafa, who was in form,” Djokovic said. “This year I’ll have a different opponent in the final, so obviously it’s going to be a different match-up, different preparation. The contrast of styles of play between Dominic and Zverev is pretty big. One-handed backhand, heavy spin, a lot of power in the shots from Dominic. Then one of the biggest serves with Zverev, a little bit of a different style of play. They’re both from the back of the court. I’ll prepare myself for that match. Hopefully I’ll be able to perform as well as I always had in the Australian Open final.”

Djokovic will have a significant experience advantage, competing in his 25th Grand Slam final. Thiem has reached the Roland Garros final twice, and Zverev is playing in his first major semi-final.

“I think there is more advantage to have the experience than disadvantage. I think it’s better obviously coming into the Grand Slam final to have some experience behind you. At the same time if you don’t have that experience maybe then you don’t have the expectations or you don’t have the pressure of being in the finals that you need to win,” Djokovic said. “The younger players now coming up and challenging us oldies to get to the Grand Slam finals. It’s happening already. You’re going to have Dominic or Sascha in the final. It’s inevitable it’s going to happen more frequently in the future. I think it’s good for [the] sport. I’m going to try my best to prolong their domination in the Grand Slams as much as possible. I’m sure Roger and Rafa would agree.”