“Tennis misses him,” Novak Djokovic honors Roger Federer after his quarter-final win at the 2023 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic asks fans to applaud Roger Federer after the Serb qualified for the semi-finals of the 2023 Australian Open.
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Roger Federer, Jim Courier and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic‘s 22nd Grand Slam title gets closer and closer with every passing day. The former World No. 1 dismantled Andrey Rublev in straight-sets in the quarter-finals to reach the semis at the 2023 Australian Open. Djokovic won the match 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to enter the semis for the 10th time.
Mind you, he is yet to lose a semi-final clash in the Australian Open. Judging by his campaign this year, in all possibilities, it looks like he will be making it 10-0 this year. Nursing the hamstring, Djokovic did not let Rublev take the upper hand and continued to dictate the terms right from the start.
Speaking with the legendary Jim Courier during his on-court interview, Nole was asked if he remembers his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final match. The question was in accordance as the Serb will now take on first time Grand Slam semi-finalist Tommy Paul. Djokovic did remember the match and also the result of his first final before paying a tribute to former rival Roger Federer.
“It was the US Open back in 2007. I was fortunate to, seems a long time ago. I was fortunate to win that but in the finals, I lost to Roger. Let’s give him a great round of applause, to Roger. He deserves it. I had some great battles with him over the years. Tennis misses him. I’ve seen him dressing up very sharply for a fashion week the other day.
“I have seen him skiing. I want to challenge him for a little skiing race in a few years’ time. He is enjoying life for sure it’s nice to see that. For tennis, he is one of the most important players to ever play the game. Big regards to him and his family,” said Djokovic as he earned a great applause from the spectators on the packed Rod Laver Arena.
Related: Slam-bang Novak Djokovic storms into semis at the 2023 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic makes more history with the win over Andrey Rublev
Coming into the match, Novak Djokovic was unbeaten in 25 consecutive matches at the Australian Open. It was his personal best so far. With the win over Andrey Rublev, he now takes it to 26 wins on the trot. He last lost a match in Melbourne Park in 2018.
Had it not been for his controversial deportation, he was supposed to play as the three-time defending champion at the 2022 Australian Open. Let bygones be bygones, that’s what Djokovic has said this year. With two wins away from his 10th Australian Open title, he has now matched Andre Agassi.
The American great led the Tour for most consecutive wins at the Australian Open with 26 consecutive matches from 2000 to 2004 before losing to Marat Safin in the semi-finals. With Tommy Paul his next-round opponent, the Serb will be licking his lips to get another record to his name as he closes down on Rafael Nadal’s 22 Majors.
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Sarthak Shitole
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