Novak Djokovic (No. 1 in the ATP ranking) overcame a new challenge in the Australian Open 2024. But the 10-time champion at Melbourne Park knows that he has not yet reached the level he is used to. After the victory over Alexei Popyrin, he spoke to the press about the dissatisfaction you have with your tennis at the moment and, facing the next duel, he launched praise for his rival Tomás Etcheverry (32°).
“I have not been playing at my best level this week. It is frustrating to have those atypical errors on the court given the level of play I have”began after a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over Alexei Popyrin of Australia.
“Can I be satisfied? I can be satisfied with the victory but not too much with my tennis. It is also normal to go through these types of periods. We have to accept it. I hope things improve as the tournament progresses”.
During the first games of the fourth set, the Serbian confronted a person from the audience who had been yelling at him throughout the match. That generated a climate of tension that concluded with a short phrase: “Tell me to my face.” Later, the 36-year-old tennis player clarified the situation.
“I don’t tolerate anyone crossing the line. That’s what happened. People have a few drinks I guess because it’s night. Maybe that has some effect on the way they behave.”
“People buy tickets to see us. They want to have fun, it’s allowed. I never asked for anyone to be expelled from the stadium. I wouldn’t do it either but if someone crosses the line, I’ll let them know like I did with the boy today,” he concluded in relation to that moment of the game.
In the next round he will face Tomás Etcheverry. The story of the Argentine who, since he got his first ATP point, began a kind of crusade scoring the points he needs to reach his idol, reached the Serbian’s ears last season before they had to meet at the Masters 1000 in Rome.
“He (Tomás Etcheverry) is playing the best tennis of his life. He is a great boy. I get along well with him and his team. But on the court we will be rivals. We both want to win,” hill.
All the activity of the Australian Open 2024, exclusively on ESPN and STAR+.
