Novak Djokovic

Press Conference

J. DRAPER/N. Djokovic

4-6, 6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Can I just ask, there were a few times where some of the crowd were calling out. Wonder how hard that is to deal with in the moment, whether you start thinking about that as a player that it might happen at any point.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know. I don't know what kind of situation you're referring to, but, I mean, it was several -- it is what it is. It's excitement from the crowd, as well.

I mean, I understand that people sometimes in heat of the moment, in the battle, like the one tonight, get excited during the point, and, you know, maybe between the points and -- yeah, they just, excited, and that's it.

I don't judge, criticize anybody. It was an incredible match to be part of on the court, and also, I'm sure, for the people watching in the stadium.

Q. What made the difference in the end, do you think?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: One point. Yeah, one point.

Q. Can you just describe that amazing point.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I mean, it cost me a break after, you know. It was great winning that point in that game, but I just, like, ran completely out of the gas and just started to feel a bit better towards basically end of the third.

He played a sloppy game to close it out 5-4, and, you know, I got the crowd, you know, backing me, and I felt the energy. It was, like, maybe I'm gonna take this one.

It was so close, so close. I mean, just unfortunate few mistakes from my side. Tiebreak, 4-3 up. 5-All, as well.

That's tennis.

Q. Novak, you actually won one more point, but what did you make of Jack's level, given that he's relatively early in his comeback?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think there is any major difference in his level from what he has, you know, shown pre-injury. I mean, he's been playing at a great level, actually. I have watched him a little bit, had some highlights in Dubai that he has played there a few matches.

And here, obviously defending champion, he really likes the conditions, suiting his game, and you could see that. I mean, he's playing really well. I mean, he's confident and he was always confident and physically very fit. You know, just overall a great player, great guy. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament.

Q. Overall, how do you kind of assess this tournament for you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I don't know. I mean, bitter feeling right now, losing a match like this. But proud of myself for fighting and really giving it all on the court. That's for sure.

That's the one thing that I'll take as a highlight, you know, just the fact of not giving up and trying. I mean, obviously I lost to a great player, and it was really such an even match throughout the entire two-and-a-half hours.

But, yeah, just a bit disappointed, of course, with getting off the court, fresh off the court. It is okay. I mean, I wish I could have done better, but it was a good fight.