INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 15, 2021

Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/L. Sonego

6-3, 6-7, 6-2

(ATP flash interview)

Q. You served up two wonderful matches on the same day. What was the one quality that served you best of all in tonight's match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think I bounced back very well after the second set. I lost the first game Love-40, 30-40, missed a forehand down the line. Maybe if he started with a break up in the third things would look differently.

But I also had my chances. I have only myself to blame for not closing the match in two sets. At the end of the day he is showing why he reached his first semifinals. He's a quality player. Not easy to play against him. Obviously he had the crowd behind him. It was an electric atmosphere out there on the court.

In the end I managed to close out the match.

Q. You are into your 11th final here. It will be the sixth time you've met Rafa for the trophy. What can you promise people watching around the world tomorrow?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, first of all I need to recover. That's what I'm focused on honestly. I don't have much time, I played a lot of tennis. Hopefully I'll have fresh legs because that's what I definitely will need. It's necessary in order to have a chance against Rafa.

He also had some tough matches, obviously myself, with rain delays and everything that has happened today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be fresh and I'll give it all.