ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL

January 6, 2023

Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/D. Shapovalov

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. We spoke to Daniil earlier, hoping this was going to happen, and he was very glowing about what it takes to beat you. You have to hit the line four times, all this sort of stuff. Can you talk about Daniil and how tough he is to beat on the other side?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The respect is mutual, of course. Also understanding of how good of a tennis player he is on the court. He's established top player for last four, five years he's been one of the best players in the world, former No. 1, Grand Slam champion. He's just mentally so tough in the big moments, big serve, very complete game. Of course he keeps on improving.

I don't recall. Maybe it was 1 or 2 matches we played out of 12 in total where it went kind of straightforward one way. Most of the other matches were really close. So that's what I expect tomorrow as well, because conditions in the evening are played a bit different. It's a bit slower. So I guess there is going to be quite a few rallies and I have to be ready for that.

I know what it takes to play against him and win. Of course it can be anybody's game. I think we are both playing well. I saw him playing few matches this week. He's striking the ball very, very well. He's as consistent as he always is.

He doesn't give you too many free points, so to say. He's got a big serve, so he can cruise through his service games but then he makes you work on your service games. He's definitely one of the toughest players to play against.

Q. You have been tested this week without being pushed to the very limit. In terms of form leading into the Australian Open, are you where you want to be at the moment?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I actually think that the scoreline maybe doesn't speak enough today about the matchup. It was very close. One break of serve in the first set that went very long in terms of time. He had breakpoints, he had chances.

Early on he was a better player. He was dictating. Then, you know, I started finding my serve and my groove on the court, and he basically, you know, gave me a present, you know, two double faults at 4-3 in the first set. He was I think 40-Love or 40-15 up.

I just made him play. Just made him play. I felt maybe he's a bit nervous. That's what happens, the change of momentum happens very quickly on this level.

You know, I'm happy with the way I'm playing, the way I'm feeling on the court. I'm as motivated as always, regardless of the tournament category, so to say. I know that Grand Slam is around the corner, but I really want to focus my attention here. I have, you know, really tough matchups today, tomorrow, Medvedev, you know, maybe I cannot get tougher than that at the moment.

I look forward to it. It's going to be a great semifinals, for sure. But at the same time also I think biggest test so far for both me and him, I think this is what we want coming into Melbourne and Australian Open.