By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Novak Djokovic demolished the Demon Down Under final January.
World No. 1 Djokovic expects a packed home and loads of pleasure of their United Cup rematch.
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Reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic will face Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur when Serbia faces host Australia within the United Cup quarterfinals in Perth.
The Grand Slam king shared a easy message for followers: let’s get loud.
” A lot of noise I think from both sides, from both cheerleading groups,” Djokovic mentioned when requested his expectations. “Of course probably more expectably and logically more Australians. But it’s a big arena.
“Lots of people can slot in that space, I feel 12,000, 13,000. Hopefully we will see it packed, as a result of it is an thrilling tie. I feel each match goes to be actually good to look at. You’re going to get the worth in your ticket tomorrow. Hopefully we will, yeah, can expertise some nice ambiance, and yeah, let the higher group win.”
In their lone prior meeting at the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic muted de Minaur 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
✅ thirteenth #AusOpen quarterfinal
✅ 54th Grand Slam quarterfinalNovak Djokovic doing Novak Djokovic issues at Melbourne Park!@DjokerNole • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/ALmZZjxwal
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2023
World No. 12 de Minaur is aware of it’s going to require nothing in need of his greatest tennis to check the Grand Slam king.
“It’s no secret Novak’s level, it’s incredible, and he’s probably the GOAT, if we’re honest,” de Minaur mentioned. “So he started the year strong. It’s going to be obviously extremely tough, but it will be a challenge that I’ll be looking forward to to hopefully going out there and show what I can do.”
Team Serbia shall be on wrist watch as Djokovic took remedy for a sore wrist throughout his three-set win over Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic. Djokovic mentioned the wrist is not good, however must be ok when he duels Demon.
“It happened in the warmup today before the match,” Djokovic mentioned. “I basically got constant treatment before the match, during the match, after the match, you know, trying to address the issue that I’m facing today in the best possible way.
“I imply, it isn’t the primary time that I’ve confronted these form of circumstances at such a excessive degree {of professional} tennis. I do know skilled sport typically, this stuff occur. I feel it isn’t a significant concern, as a result of I nonetheless managed to complete the match and managed to play nicely, though I possibly wasn’t feeling 100%, however nonetheless, you realize, it allowed me to complete the match.
“Hopefully I’ll have enough time to recover for tomorrow’s tie against Australia that is in the afternoon hours, so, you know, more time for us.”
Photo credit score: Matthew Stockman/Getty
Source: www.tennisnow.com
