“Playing against Rafa and Novak is a privilege”

Daniil Medvedev believes it is a privilege to face Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal, and the former world number one said on Friday that he would like to meet the two at the Australian Open.

Medvedev lost to Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, in the Australian Open final two years ago, before falling to Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, in a marathon title match at Melbourne Park 12 months ago .

“Playing against Rafa and Novak is a privilege,” Medvedev said at a press conference in Adelaide after beating his compatriot Khachanov 6-3 in the quarterfinals. In the semis, he could face Djokovic in the semifinals of the ATP 250 tournament on Saturday if the Serb beats Denis Shapovalov in the next match.

“I was disappointed because when I started playing better, I got into the top 10, I didn’t get to play Roger Federer because I lost to him three times (before that).

“I wasn’t bad anymore, but I wasn’t where I am now. I still have the opportunity to play against Rafa and Novak, and every time I have this opportunity, I want to win. I want to try to do my best.

“I had some tough losses against both of them, but the only slam I won was against Novak and it was great. I enjoyed playing against them.”

Medvedev beat Djokovic to win his first major at the US Open in 2021, but said playing him in Australia was a completely different challenge.

“In Australia, we’ve played three times…I won’t talk too much, but I lost everything,” Medvedev said. “It’s a challenge to play Novak in Australia.”

“Maybe it’s easier in Adelaide than in Melbourne, you never know, but it’s a challenge and it’s a good test before the Australian Open to play against one of the best and maybe the best player of all time among rules of tennis. Australian” .

The Australian Open starts on January 16.