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Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Rublev also had some kind words for his next opponent and his “amazing legs” as he seeks his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.
WATCH: Novak Djokovic previews his Wimbledon quarterfinal showdown with Andrey Rublev, who is looking to reach his first major semifinal.
Familiar foes Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev traded complements at Wimbledon, as they prepare to meet on Centre Court on Tuesday for a place in the semifinals.
After Rublev pulled off a dramatic five-set win over Alexander Bublik on Sunday, Djokovic took the court against Hubert Hurkacz but needed two days to close out the match. Djokovic led by two sets when Wimbledon’s evening curfew. caused play to be suspended. Upon resumption, Hurkacz claimed the third set before Djokovic closed out the victory 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4
Up next will be a fifth meeting with world No. 7 Rublev. The Russian trails Djokovic 1-3 in their head-to-head but will come into their matchup with a bit more to fight for: he’s looking to snap an eight-match losing streak in Grand Slam quarterfinals.
“I was surprised that he has actually never reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam, which obviously will serve as a motivation more for him tomorrow to be inspired and play his best tennis,” Djokovic acknowledged.
Q. Can you address your next opponent?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: …Andrey Rublev is a fantastic player who's got one of the best forehands in the game. Brings a lot of intensity to the court with his grunts.
He kind of scares off his opponents across the net. Extremely nice guy. Very nice person. Works as hard as anybody out there to be a top-10 player, which he has been for the last several years.
He's one of the most consistent players on all surfaces. I have lots of respect for him.
Rublev had equally kind words for his upcoming opponent, who defeated him in a straight-sets demolition in their most recent encounter at the Australian Open quarterfinals.
“The thing is he have perfect game because he really, really have really good legs. He really knows how to use the speed of the players,” Rublev explained.
“With his legs, he's using your speed and he's playing without mistakes. In the end he's forcing you to go for extra shots and you are missing.
“Then you have the guy who returns almost everything with amazing legs. You have to play really, really great match.”
Two-time defending champion Djokovic is three wins away from his eighth Wimbledon title, which would send him to an all-time record extending 24 Grand Slam titles.
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