Novak Djokovic can still think about his 11th Australian Open title. He advanced to the round of 16 over the Czech Tomáš Macháč, whom he did not allow to lose even a set.
Photo: © Nicolas Luttiau / Bestimage / Profimedia
Novak Djokovic responded to some screaming spectators with a gesture as if he did not hear them.
The Serbian tennis player highly praised the performance and rated it as his best at the tournament. At the press conference, he also commented on his next opponent Jiří Leheček. His conflicts with fans during the match were also a topic.
In the first two rounds, Djokovic did not play his best tennis. He lost one set in each match against underrated and lesser-known opponents, so it was a question of how he would fare against the in-form Macháč. The result was clear.
“It was my best match. I didn’t have so many weak moments in concentration. Only at the beginning of the second set I struggled a bit physically. But I managed to break and then take the lead. The second set was the key to success,” said Djokovic at the press conference.
“I knew it would be a tough test and I didn’t expect to win without dropping a set because he is in great form. But I prepared very well and played a great match,” boasted the Serbian champion.
During the meeting of the 3rd round, there was also a conflict with the fans in the stands, who booed and shouted at him. They also deliberately shouted “out” against Djokovic, even though the balls were mostly in the court. “A few people must have had more drinks. It’s very frustrating on the court when it comes at the wrong time, especially when it happens repeatedly. When someone keeps provoking you, it gets to a stage where you have to react. I tried to tolerate it, but I had to react somehow,” he explained.
American Danielle Collins had a similar experience to Djokovic in Australia, who reacted extravagantly to supporters. “I love her reaction. I became a big fan of hers. I agree with everything she said on and off the court. I read some comments that she should have toned down, but I think she handled it very well. I’m not sure I’d be that nice. I know that feeling well,” Djokovic supported his colleague from the courts.
After Macháč, another Czech obstacle, Jiří Lehečka, awaits him in the round of 16 of the tournament. “He is in very good shape. He advanced confidently through the first three rounds. In some ways, it is similar to Macháč, it is a Czech tennis school, they have a very good backhand. He is one of the most physically prepared players on the circuit and the serve is his weapon. It will be a great match, I’m looking forward to it,” added Djokovic.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
