AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 19, 2025

Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/J. Lehecka

6-3, 6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Novak would like to say something before we take questions.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, good evening. I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it's a common, usual practice.

Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.

I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It's unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously wasn't the time and space or situation for me to explain what I'm doing right now.

I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That's all.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Will this be an ongoing stance until you get an apology?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, exactly.

Q. Next up you have Carlos. How does the excitement, the motivation, change when you prepare for someone like him, knowing that you want to continue to have a dominance over the sport?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I'm expecting a big battle, as it's the case in most of our matches where we faced each other. Maybe just couple times it was quite one-sided. Wimbledon finals last year, he was the dominant force on the court. I had a really good match against him in the World Tour Finals in 2023.

Other than that, we had some long battles, long exchanges kind of matches that I played against him. Remind me of my matchups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court.

He's very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented. Charismatic player. Great to watch; not that great to play against (smiling).

I look forward to it. I think when the draw was out, a lot of the people were looking forward to potential matchup in quarterfinals, Alcaraz versus me. So here we are.

I think we both are hitting the ball pretty well this tournament. I like the way I'm playing and the way I'm feeling last couple matches. I'm excited about that challenge.

Q. You have talked about this in the past, that you notice everything about your opponent on the court, whether it's the breathing, expressions.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Right.

Q. Do you do that during the prematch practice, as well? Do you feel anything, the energy, how the opponent is hitting the ball during the practice?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Do you mean in the warm-up for the match?

Q. Yes.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Before the court, before we enter the court?

Q. After you enter the court, hitting with your opponent.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I mean, not so much. I mean, obviously the warm-up is quite short. It's a few minutes here and there, few shots from back of the court, volleys, serve, that's it. You start the match.

I would say you get a sense of how your opponent is feeling already before the match, before you enter the court, in the gym or locker room. We, in a way, can't run away from each other as we are sharing locker rooms and gym spaces, warm-up area. We do see each other, our respective teams. There's a battle already that starts before we step out on the court.

Q. Was there anything said by the crowd tonight that specifically irritated you? I think the chair at one point said something along the lines, That wasn't deliberate.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, look, nothing that really stands out or extraordinary. Every match something different happens. I already explained myself the reason why I wasn't giving an interview, is not for the crowd, it was for the Channel 9 situation.

Q. Regarding your conversation with Craig Tiley, can you shed any light on that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's exactly what I told you. That's what I told him. I haven't seen him since that happened. He was communicating with my agent and my team.

I just wanted to make sure, as I have really nice relationship with Craig, I think he's a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players' needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.

So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that's okay, I'll accept that 'cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That's all there is to it.

Q. Did he say anything?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: That's all.

Q. You said you liked the way you're playing. Curious how much do you feel you're in rhythm right now and how much have you improved over the last week?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think the last two matches have been really high level. I played two Czech players that are in a really good form. Lehecka won a tournament in the first week of the season. He's been feeling the ball great.

It was a great matchup for me prior to Alcaraz. Of course, I wasn't thinking about Alcaraz before winning this match, which again I didn't see myself as a clear favorite.

I'm really glad to be able to beat both Machac and Lehecka in straight sets. That encourages me to believe I can win against any opponent really on a good day when I'm feeling my best. That's what I'm trying to focus on, my game, recovery, making sure that I'm ready for whatever awaits me on the court.

Q. Is this feeling of being disrespected, you feel you've been disrespected, your people have been disrespected...

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Right.

Q. ...does this make you more determined to win the title here?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, not particularly. I'm very determined already, so... This is not using this to kind of fuel my fire more.

I just feel like -- I don't want to repeat myself. I already said what I need to say.

Q. How did you feel? How was the meeting with Jano Lastovica after the match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it was surprising. He's been a supporter of mine for last 20 years. Actually first time I met him and his wife was 20 years ago here when I qualified for the first time for the Australian Open 2005. It was quite a surprise for me during a Eurosport interview. They organized it all. I really am pleased to see him. He gave me a shirt. That was nice.