Australian Open 2023: After defeating Andrey Rublev to enter the Australian Open semifinals, Novak Djokovic showed his class by sending a heartfelt message to his former rival Roger Federer. On Wednesday, Djokovic easily defeated Rublev to extend his winning streak at the Australian Open to 26 matches. He once again appeared unbeatable at Rod Laver Arena. Follow AO 2023 LIVE Updates
Australian Open 2023: WATCH Novak Djokovic namedrops Roger Federer as CROWD erupts into applause, Serbian says ‘Tennis misses him’, Follow AO 2023 LIVE
Novak Djokovic defeated Andrey Rublev to advance to the round of 16 on Wednesday, continuing to make his bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open victory look effortless.
The Serb, still with thigh strapping but sporting a magnificent look entered SFs with a quick 6-1 6-2 6-4 win.
In his post-match interview with Jim Courier on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic interrupted himself mid-sentence to specifically address the Swiss icon Roger Federer, who retired last year.
After making it to his tenth major semifinal at Melbourne Park, Courier asked him if he could recollect his first semi-final opponent. He remembered Federer.
“I think it was [the] US Open back in 2007,” Djokovic said.
“It seems quite a long time ago, actually, now. I was fortunate to win that semi-final, but in the final, I lost to Roger [Federer].”
When the audience began to applaud at that point, Djokovic joined in with some of his own clapping before deciding to halt his response and pay honour to his old opponent instead.
Djokovic on Federer:
“Tennis misses him” 🇷🇸🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/gCA99yi0yk
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) January 25, 2023
Djokovic remembers Federer
“Let us give him a big round of applause, to Roger, guys,” Djokovic said.
“He deserves it! I had some great battles over the years with Roger, that is for sure. Tennis misses him, for sure.”
“I have seen him dressing up very sharply for [Paris] Fashion Week the other day! Have seen him skiing. I want to challenge him for a little skiing race in a few years’ time. But, yeah, he is enjoying life, for sure, it is nice to see that.”
“Obviously for tennis, he has been one of the most important players ever to play the game. So, big regards to his family.”
Paris fashion week 🪡🧵💙 pic.twitter.com/gJyLoImE6i
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 25, 2023
Tommy Paul, an American competing in his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final, will compete against Djokovic for a spot in Sunday’s championship match.
