Google News Novak Djokovic discusses crowd being on Rafael Nadal's side in Australian Open final
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 13770
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic says he perfectly understands how Daniil Medvedev felt during and after the Australian Open final. The majority of the crowd stood behind Rafael Nadal, who came from two sets down in the Australian Open final to lift a record 21st Grand Slam title.
After the match, Medvedev sad his inner child "stopped dreaming." "I relate to that. We texted after the match. I really felt sad that Daniil was experiencing those kind of emotions. Because the inner kid is the reason why we are playing tennis.
At least in my case, and I think in his case. Most of the players pick up the racket when they are young because they fell in love with the sport. Losing and being two sets to love up in the finals is a tough one to swallow. I’ve been in those shoes before and I understand how he feels.
I had many matches where I had the crowd on my side and and many where the crowd was against me. This is part of sport and you cannot always expect to have the support behind you. Sometimes, you just wish things to be different," Djokovic said.
Djokovic speaks highly of Medvedev
Last year, Djokovic handed Medvedev a straight-set defeat to win a record ninth Australian Open title. Medvedev got his revenge seven months later as he beat Djokovic in the US Open final to win his first Grand Slam title.
"I wish him all the best. He’s a great champion – someone that is mentally very strong and consistent with his results and soon to be No 1 in the world as well. I felt sorry for him that he commented the way he did after the match but I do understand," Djokovic added.
There is a strong chance that Medvedev will replace Djokovic as the No. 1 when the ATP rankings list gets updated on Monday.