WATCH: Novak Djokovic sends warning to rivals in compelling interview

Ewan West
Novak Djokovic celebrates
Novak Djokovic shouts in celebration after beating Andrey Rublev

Novak Djokovic sent a strong message to his rivals after defeating Andrey Rublev to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

The 36-year-old recognised all players want to claim his scalp, but defiantly asserted that “it ain’t happening!”, while saying he “loves” the pressure.

The 23-time major champion saw off world No 7 Andrey Rublev in an intense four-set quarter-final battle at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Djokovic will face world No 8 Jannik Sinner in the last four at the All England Club on Friday. The Serbian is looking to win a fifth straight Wimbledon title and eighth overall to equal Roger Federer’s men’s record.

In his on-court interview, Djokovic was asked how he handles the pressure of being the player everyone wants to beat.

“I love it (the pressure), I love it. It’s true (laughs). I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you on the court, so it is a privilege as Billie Jean [King] said,” declared the Serbian.

“You know, pressure is part of what we do, it’s part of our sport, it’s never going to go away. Regardless of how many Grand Slams you win, or how many matches you won, or how many years that you’re playing professionally on the tour.

“The pressure is paramount every single time I come out on the court, particularly here – the Centre Court of Wimbledon. But at the same time, it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of actually, and inspires me to play my best tennis.

“So you know, I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win, but it ain’t happening, still! Very humble (laughs).”

The world No 2 also praised Rublev and discussed matching Federer’s men’s record of 46 Grand Slam semi-final appearances.

“There were some thrilling rallies, Andrey is a guy I respect a lot. Obviously he brings a lot of intensity on the court, you can see by the way he is grunting on his shots. Especially on the forehand, he’s kind of scary. Both the ball that’s coming from the corner and the sound,” said Djokovic.

“But no, obviously, he’s someone that has been round the top 10 for quite a few years and I wish him best of luck. I have to congratulate him for a great match today and great tournament.

“In terms of the numbers, thank you for bringing them up, but they’re just the numbers in the end of the day. Especially during the tournament, I don’t like to spend too much time thinking about statistics and the achievements obviously. It’s a tournament that’s still active for me.”

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