INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 13, 2022

Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/F. Auger-Aliassime

7-6, 7-6

(Transcribed from recorded ATP audio)

Q. A magnificent match. Must be very satisfying when somebody asks you to raise your level and you are able to do that.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I thought it was a high-level tennis. Difficult conditions playing at night, slower, the ball bounces lower.

Never faced him before. I know Felix well. He's been around the men's game for quite a few years, but we never had a chance to face each other.

He has the lethal serve honestly. One thing is to practice and the other thing is to play against somebody in an official match. He's hitting spots in the box incredibly well with his serve. It was not easy for me at all to return. He's also returning well, moving well. He's a very complete player.

Yeah, he did ask me to raise the level. I thought I could have finished the job earlier. I was a set and 5-2, match point, serving for the match. Credit to him for fighting back. Amazing atmosphere as well tonight.

Q. Tour-level win 999 for you. Would this be a fitting venue to bring up the one thousand?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, absolutely. Hopefully it can happen tomorrow.

Q. What about Casper Ruud as the semifinal opponent?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Great quality opponent again. Clay court specialist, has improved on all surfaces. Played final in Miami this year. Very hard worker, nice guy. Practiced a lot. Get along well off the court. Played him here a couple years ago in the semis. Think tomorrow it's going to be night. Hopefully I can play as well as I did tonight.