In press conference at the Australian Open revealed what told him at the net after their four-set match. The Canadian player said: He just told me its a pleasure to play against me.
Honestly, the pleasure was all mine, like I said, to play a champion like him in a court like that in an event like this, its a dream come true for me. During the match, I was smiling, enjoying my time out there. It was a lot of fun.
At the same time, I do want to compete against these guys in the future, in the near future. Its about physically getting ready for these types of matches. I think just getting used to it. The first couple times you play these guys, obviously, youre going to be a lot tighter.
After a while, a third, fourth time you start playing them, you know what its like already, and Ill have some expectations, yeah, going into the match knowing what its like on a court like this. I think Im not going to be as nervous.
Im really happy that I can take this match and really learn from it. Its obviously physically tough playing someone like Novak. Is it emotionally draining, as well, the intensity? It is. Hes definitely a guy that he doesnt give you much.
He doesnt give you anything, to be honest. You have to be there the whole match, every point. If you have any dips, hes going to take advantage of it. Thats why hes so good, No. 1 in the world. I felt that a little bit.
Definitely mentally a little bit tired right now. Kind of want to take a nap. As I said, I think the first two sets kind of took a lot out of me just because every shot Im just that five per cent extra tight, running a little bit, heavier, tighter.
At the end it just kind of gets to you. For him, its just another match, its just another day. For a guy like me, its something you dream of doing, you really look forward to. Obviously, when you get there, its a lot of, like, nervous energy, you know? Im happy in the third set I was able to calm my nerves, start serving a lot better, just playing my game.
Obviously, you guys saw in the fourth set with his good start, my little lack of energy, he really took advantage of it. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title
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