By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Novak Djokovic demolished the Demon Down Beneath final January.
World No. 1 Djokovic expects a packed home and loads of pleasure of their United Cup rematch.
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Reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic will face Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur when Serbia faces host Australia within the United Cup quarterfinals in Perth.
The Grand Slam king shared a easy message for followers: let’s get loud.
” Loads of noise I feel from either side, from each cheerleading teams,” Djokovic stated when requested his expectations. “In fact in all probability extra expectably and logically extra Australians. Nevertheless it’s an enormous enviornment.
“Lots of people can slot in that space, I feel 12,000, 13,000. Hopefully we will see it packed, as a result of it is an thrilling tie. I feel each match goes to be actually good to look at. You are going to get the worth to your ticket tomorrow. Hopefully we will, yeah, can expertise some nice environment, and yeah, let the higher group win.”
Of their lone prior assembly on the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic muted de Minaur 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
✅ thirteenth #AusOpen quarterfinal
✅ 54th Grand Slam quarterfinalNovak Djokovic doing Novak Djokovic issues at Melbourne Park!@DjokerNole • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/ALmZZjxwal
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2023
World No. 12 de Minaur is aware of it can require nothing in need of his greatest tennis to check the Grand Slam king.
“It is no secret Novak’s stage, it is unbelievable, and he is in all probability the GOAT, if we’re trustworthy,” de Minaur stated. “So he began the yr sturdy. It should be clearly extraordinarily robust, however it is going to be a problem that I will be trying ahead to to hopefully going on the market and present what I can do.”
Workforce Serbia might be on wrist watch as Djokovic took remedy for a sore wrist throughout his three-set win over Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic. Djokovic stated the wrist is not excellent, however must be ok when he duels Demon.
“It occurred within the warmup as we speak earlier than the match,” Djokovic stated. “I mainly obtained fixed remedy earlier than the match, through the match, after the match, you already know, making an attempt to deal with the problem that I am going through as we speak in the absolute best manner.
“I imply, it isn’t the primary time that I’ve confronted these type of circumstances at such a excessive stage {of professional} tennis. I do know skilled sport typically, these items occur. I feel it isn’t a significant concern, as a result of I nonetheless managed to complete the match and managed to play properly, although I possibly wasn’t feeling 100%, however nonetheless, you already know, it allowed me to complete the match.
“Hopefully I will have sufficient time to get better for tomorrow’s tie towards Australia that’s within the afternoon hours, so, you already know, extra time for us.”
Picture credit score: Matthew Stockman/Getty