Jelena Dokic has opened as much as Novak Djokovic a few brutally awkward second between the 2 from years in the past.
The Aussie tennis icon turned commentator stood on Rod Laver Enviornment with the Serbian celebrity following his third spherical victory in opposition to Grigor Dimitrov.
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Because the interview acquired underway Djokovic mentioned to Dokic “I haven’t seen you in ages” earlier than he was pressed on their first encounter.
“You realize when was the primary time we noticed one another right here?” Dokic requested.
Confused, Djokovic responded: “It was the primary time?”
Dokic clarified: “No no, do you keep in mind, when was the primary time I truly met you right here on the Australian Open?”
Regardless of being placed on the spot the 21-time Grand Slam winner accurately guessed they’d spoken in 2006, two years earlier than he first reigned supreme at Melbourne Park however two years after the pair had a observe collectively.
But it surely was then that Dokic revealed the brutally awkward second from their encounter 17 years in the past.
“You got here to me in 2006, and also you mentioned ‘hello I’m Novak Djokovic, do you keep in mind me?’ And I mentioned to you ‘sure I do’, and I’ve to confess, I didn’t. We hit two years earlier – I pretended I did, however I positively know who you are actually!” Dokic mentioned as the gang broke out into suits of laughter.
Djokovic, shocked from what he’d simply realized, responded saying the second was one he was trying ahead to. Regardless of the brutal reveal he was nonetheless pleased to be speaking to Dokic once more.
“I used to be trying as much as you, clearly. You performed for Australia however you got here from our area, we converse the identical language and also you have been an enormous star on the time,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I used to be actually pleased to play with you, it’s nice to see you once more.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” Dokic replied.
The Serb got here by a titanic 77-minute first set earlier than taming the Bulgarian 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 regardless of needing remedy twice on his troublesome hamstring.
He’ll face dwelling hope Alex de Minaur for a spot within the quarter-finals after the twenty second seed defeated Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in three units.
Djokovic’s gutsy win inched him nearer to a tenth Australian Open title and record-tying 22 Grand Slam crowns.
Profitable as soon as once more in Melbourne would additionally return him to world primary for the primary time since June.
Now 35, Djokovic mentioned he was savouring every match extra. “Each season counts I suppose now, while you come to the final stage, the final quarter, of your profession,” he mentioned.
“Clearly you begin appreciating and valuing every match extra since you may not have loads left within the tank.
“I’ve been really lucky to do what I like, I like the game, I like competing. It’s been nearly 20 years now {of professional} sport. I can’t be extra grateful than I’m.”
Victory put Djokovic into the final 16 for a fifteenth time however he was made to work for it, particularly together with his left hamstring troubling him.
“It form of at all times begins properly in previous couple of matches, together with this one, after which some motion occurs after which it will get worse,” he mentioned.
“Capsules kick in, some sizzling cream and stuff. That works for just a little bit, then it doesn’t, then works once more. It’s actually a rollercoaster, actually.
“I’ll take it match by match. I don’t know what awaits, however I do hope and I’ve religion for the very best.”
Djokovic aggravated his hamstring throughout his run to a 92nd title on the Adelaide Worldwide this month and has been combating it since.
– with AFP
