ROLEX PARIS MASTERS

November 5, 2022

Novak Djokovic

Mixed Zone

N. DJOKOVIC/S. Tsitsipas

6-2, 3-6, 7-6

Q. Very, very tight in that final set, wasn't it?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, it did. I mean, I started this match as well as I started yesterday's quarterfinal. Clarity, what I need to do. Executed very well. I was very solid. I felt really every shot in the game really good, and that allowed me to have control of the match 6-2. Early in the second set, some chances, some Love-30s, he managed to find the right shots, good serve. He got the crowd involved, and the momentum shifted.

You know, I had one poor game. I lost the serve. Yeah, then he just felt more comfortable, more confident, was making less errors. It was more difficult for me to read his serve.

In the third set, again, lots of chances early on. 4-All, that breakpoint, 30-40, long, long point, relatively easy forehand missed. Lost a little bit of breath there and energy really to go through that shot.

But very exciting points, I think, very exciting tennis I think for the crowd, for us. We pushed each other to the limit. I think it was just necessary to decide this match in the last moment, you know, in the last shot, last point, because it was really anybody's game. If he would win, he would deserve to win this match.

I was just proud to be part of such a fantastic atmosphere as well. To play one of the best players in the world at this stage, it means a lot to me because, again, at this stage of my career, to keep pushing myself, keep motivating myself, keep believing that I can win these matches, it means a lot mentally, emotionally for me, more than anything, really, because I need to also make a statement that I'm still there with the young guys, that I'm able to compete with them and win such tight matches.

Q. It was a thrilling encounter, no doubt. Now you've got another thrilling youngster who has had an incredible run with four top-10 wins in as many days. You have played him once before. What are your thoughts on Holger Rune?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I know him quite well because we have trained on different surfaces. I really like him. Very nice guy. Great family. Great team of people around him. Fantastic work ethic that he has, and he deserves his success. I followed him last three, four years, his uprising through challenger level and then getting now to top 15 in the world.

No doubt that he's the future of the sport, along with Alcaraz and some other guys. Hopefully I can suspend his first title Masters 1000 event (smiling). We get along really well. Good friends off the court.

Of course on the court, competitors. I played him only once last US Open, good battle, four sets. He has improved a lot, no doubt. I mean, he physically is a very fit guy. He's young, so not much to lose. Just swinging through the ball.

I expect that also tomorrow. I saw him play today. Yesterday, it was just a very impressive game. Kind of reminds me of myself, you know, solid backhand and very good defense and, you know, just competitive, every point leaving his heart and his legs out there on the court. It's nice to see that. I think he's very good for our sport in general.

Q. Of all the courts, where would you rate this one in terms of success, in terms of atmosphere?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, one of my favorite, no doubt. Results are a testament to that. They are showing how you feel.

There are few courts where I have done so well. I mean, Australian Open center court, Wimbledon Centre Court.

Probably this one out of all the ATP Masters 1000 events, probably this one and maybe Roma center court, Indian Wells. But I think, I mean, this is one of my most successful and my favorite places to play.