AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 21, 2022

Miomir Kecmanovic

Press Conference

M. KECMANOVIC/L. Sonego

6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Take us through the match today.

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: It was definitely a tougher match more mentally, I think. Even Lorenzo played very well throughout the match. It was really difficult to come through, but I'm happy that I was able to stay calm and push through.

Q. First time to the last 16 of a Grand Slam event; what are your thoughts on that?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Yeah, it's unbelievable. A week ago I was supposed to play the world No. 1 and didn't have much of a chance there, but now I'm in the last 16, so I'm happy that I was able to use this chance and that I've been playing some really good tennis.

Q. How does your mindset change when Novak is not here and all of a sudden -- does it feel like the opportunity presents itself?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. I didn't have much pressure just because I felt that I got a second chance, so I just wanted to use it the best that I can. I've obviously been showing that well up until now.

Q. Have you had any contact with Novak since you started winning your way through the draw?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: No, not really. You know, I think he's still recovering from everything, and I didn't really want to bother him, give him his space. I'll definitely talk to him eventually after things calm down.

Q. What does for you represent Gael Monfils, your next opponent?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: I mean, it will definitely be tough. I played him last tournament in Paris. It was a tough three-set match. For sure it's going to be difficult. He's been playing well. But I've also played really good and have this momentum going, so hopefully it will be enough to take me through.

Q. You're a former world No. 1 junior, but had you played Novak many times previously?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Did I play Novak many times?

Q. Novak, had you played Novak in any form of tournament?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: I played him in Serbian Open last year.

Q. What was the result?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Probably he won 1 & 3 or 2 & 3, something like that.

Q. You've been in the same Davis Cup team?

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Yeah, I was with them.

Q. You said you put (indiscernible) because it's pressed to reach the --

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC: Well, it was tough because he always plays good when he's fired up, and it's tough to -- because you have to stay mentally there, be present, focus every point because if you let go just a little bit, he takes over. So I had to be there 100 percent from the start.