"Never easy playing someone you respect so much" - Djokovic following another Tel Aviv win

| by Kadir Macar

Novak Djokovic keeps extending his winning streak at ATP events as after winning this year's Wimbledon, he reached the 2022 Tel Aviv Open semifinals.

First, the Serbian dominated against Pablo Andujar before taking on his very good friend Vasek Pospisil. The Canadian has been struggling with injuries lately, but he played really well in Israel to play against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

Eventually, the 22-time Grand Slam champion won 7-6(5), 6-3 in an hour and 54 minutes to set up semifinal clash with Roman Safiullin. After his triumph, he said:

"Nadal without a doubt" - Djokovic on biggest rival
"Nadal without a doubt" - Djokovic on biggest rival

“It was a great, positive win,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “Vasek is one of my best friends on the Tour. We have known each other for many years. It is never easy playing someone you respect so much and like so much, but we are both professionals and wanted to win the match and you can see that."

“I think the level of tennis was really high. Especially towards the end of the first set and the second set. Credit to him for fighting. Great to see him back.”

In Tel Aviv, one of the reporters asked the 21-time Grand Slam champion if he would play doubles alongside Kyrgios. The Serbian joked as he responded with a smile, reminding the reporter who is his next opponent in Israel. Afterwards, he added:

"Of course I would like to play with Nick, as long as he is motivated. He's a great doubles player, I know. I know he has won Grand Slam with Jack Sock or Thanasi. It's fantastic when he's focused, I hope he can continue at that level," said Djokovic.

2022 World Tennis League ATP & WTA Entry List - Djokovic, Kyrgios, Swiatek & more
2022 World Tennis League ATP & WTA Entry List - Djokovic, Kyrgios, Swiatek & more

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