I think as long as Roger and Rafa are there, I’ll go: Novak Djokovic

I think as long as Roger and Rafa are there, I’ll go: Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer

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Novak Djokovic

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to win the men’s singles Australian Open 2021 title.

Djokovic dominated his serve to hold to take a 6-5 lead and then broke back Medvedev to take the first set 7-5. Medvedev lost the plot in the second set as World No. 1 broke his serve thrice to win the set 6-2. Djokovic played like a champion as he won the 3rd set 6-2to win his 9th Australian Open championship.

“He’s definitely one of the toughest players that I ever faced in my life,” says Novak Djokovic

“Thanks to this court, the Rod Laver Arena, I love you each year more and more — the love affair keeps going,” said a relieved Djokovic, while paying tribute to Medvedev.

“Daniil, a class act, great guy and great person,” he said. “I really like him off the court … but on court he’s definitely one of the toughest players I have ever faced in my life,” he added.

“It’s a matter of time till you hold a Grand Slam. If you don’t mind waiting a few more years,” he joked.

Medvedev came in on a 20-match winning streak but other than a brief period in the first set, looked nowhere near Djokovic’s level. It’s the Serb’s third consecutive title at Melbourne Park and puts him on 18 grand slam wins, just two behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the all-time record.

“To be honest really at this stage of my career, it’s about majors,” Djokovic said after the match. “It’s about the ranking No.1s is obviously the two biggest goals. Managed to achieve this historic No.1. It seems unreal,” he added.

“… Once that historic No.1 is achieved, then my focus will go mostly to the slams. That’s where I want to shine. Age is just a number. That’s kind of a mindset… But we have to also see things realistically. I’m not 22 anymore. I’m going to have to deal with the schedule and the calendar in different ways so I peak at the right moment in the slams.”

“Coming to Australia, it always brings that extra dose of confidence to me.”, he said.

Later, on his rivals, Nadal and Federer he said: “Roger and Rafa inspire me…I think as long as they go, I’ll go.”

Watch the full trophy ceremony here:

Also Read: List of Records broken by ‘Magnificent’ Novak Djokovic; en route his 18th Grand Slam title