DAVIS CUP FINALS

November 23, 2023

Viktor Troicki

Novak Djokovic

Team Serbia

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/C. Norrie

6-4, 6-4

Team Great Britain - 0

Team Serbia - 2

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English for Team Serbia.

Q. Novak, congrats on the win, first of all. I know you're going to get asked some questions about what happened at the end of the match. I'd rather focus on the two kisses that you blew to the high end of the stadium. I imagine they were directed to your family. Since Stefan and Tara arrived to Turin, you have won against Alcaraz, against Sinner, against Norrie without dropping any sets. Are they giving you some kind of superpowers that we don't know about?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, no superpowers, but they are definitely bringing me great energy and support that I need and that I'm really always welcoming.

You know, I was very glad obviously. Quite late for kids, but they stayed. You know, I know where they were seated, so yeah, the kisses were for them and for the family, I mean, here. My parents are here, and brother as well.

It feels special. You know, it feels different. Obviously representing your country, being part of the team with the friends and family around, it's just a very different week from what I'm normally used to. I'm really happy that I managed to contribute to Serbia's win.

Q. On the end of the match, Novak, were you frustrated with the noise when you were being interviewed or was there other, like, things being said or interruptions earlier in the match or was it just at the end?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, the entire match pretty much. Disrespect, but again, that's something I'm kind of have to be prepared for. You know, in the Davis Cup, it's normal that sometimes fans step over the line, but, you know, in the heat of the moment, you react too, and you, in a way, how can I say, show that you don't allow this kind of behavior.

They can do whatever they want, but I'm going to respond to that. That's what happened. And in the end, for whoever was there, you saw, I was trying to talk and they were purposely starting to play the drums so that I don't talk and they were trying to annoy me the entire match.

So, yeah, we had a little bit of a chat in the end (smiling).

Q. You look almost very fresh. Is that the true feeling, or is that a false impression?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's more of a look, to be honest. I'm glad that I look fresh, but I'm not really fresh, to be honest. I think it's expected, considering the amount of tournaments I played and matches lately.

I cannot be happier. Obviously I have been playing some of the best tennis I have ever played and feeling confident, you know, riding on this wave of confidence. Being there on the court for my country is always extra push, extra motivation, so, you know, I'm not really thinking about what happens next week.

Obviously part of me looks forward to rest and recalibrate and just leave the racquet on the side, but right now I still cannot allow myself to enjoy those thoughts about holidays. But, you know, deliver the A game and try to, yeah, try to win all the matches and what the captain expects from me.

Q. Novak, are you aware of your record at the moment in Davis Cup? You haven't lost since the semis in 2011, and it's 21 consecutive singles matches. So what does that mean to you? And then to Viktor, your thoughts on your two singles wins?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as I said, you know, I think pretty much anybody who is part of the Davis Cup here really says the same thing. It's absolute honor and privilege to be representing the country, to wear the flag on your shirt when you're out on the court.

It's more responsibility, as well. When I look at the bench, normally no one is seated there. You know, my captain is seated there and who is obviously my childhood friend, as well. We won Davis Cup together back in 2010, and we said that, you know, a few days ago how much that victory really contributed to our individual success in our careers.

So we really enjoy playing for our country. There is a great team spirit. We feel we have a good chance and good shot at the title. Obviously, you know, semifinals, playing very strong nation. And I think the fact that I had the unbeaten round since 2011 in a way showcases my dedication and my really approach to playing for my country.

You know, I really take it seriously and try to always deliver my best game. The more you win, you know, the more you want to keep the streak going. Yeah, hopefully I can keep it going on Saturday, as well.

CAPTAIN VICTOR TROICKI: Yeah, well, definitely I want to congratulate players for playing amazing matches, great performances, both by Novak and Miomir. Great battles. Both matches were very tough.

Not just the players. I want to thank also the rest of the team who did a great job preparing the players and making the great atmosphere in the team.

Miomir, yeah, pulled it off. They were both fighting till the end. It was very close match, very tough match, but he made it in the end, which is very important win for him.

Of course I want to thank Novak. As you say, was just mentioning, so many wins in the Davis Cup and playing so many ties, it shows how much it means to him and playing for country and being so good at it.

Yeah, I mean, we're in the semifinals. A tough opponent again. Italy is waiting for us. But we have a day off to prepare well and get ready for Saturday.

I still believe in my team, and I hope we can go till the end.

Q. Novak, congrats. A few hours ago Jannik Sinner said I want to play again with Novak Djokovic. Is for you an extra motivation to play again with the No. 4 of the world? What mean to you to play against Sinner the third time in 11 days?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, third time in a little bit more than a week. It's going to be great, I think, for tennis fans and for both Italian sports tennis fans and Serbia, and here also in Malaga. We're kind of developing a nice rivalry lately. You know, I have tons of respect for him.

You know, he's been playing arguably the tennis of his life. I saw a little bit of singles and doubles that he won today. Amazing. Really played on a high level. I could see that he was very pumped to play for his nation. It was impressive the way they turned it around from 0-1.

Obviously Davis Cup is kind of a format and competition where it doesn't only depend solely on you. So that match could decide a winner of the whole tie, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it will.

You know, I think the two matches that we had against each other in Torino will serve and help to both of us in our preparation for Saturday.

I know what's expecting me. I know that he's really confident and playing, as I said, some of the best tennis that we saw him play ever. I'm not playing bad myself. So it's going to be, I think, a great match.

Q. You're going to pretty much every match especially at the moment as the favorite. Do you ever worry about losing, or is that never even thought of the thought process?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think everyone has -- I can speak on my behalf, but I actually think that everyone has doubts. I have my doubts, as well, before the match and of course during the match.

But I think the convictions that I'm able to pull it off and win are stronger and they overwhelm the doubts. So it is always an internal battle, really, how you're going to prevail I think in your head. It really then depends, depended on that, you will perform in certain level or a certain way.

I think the experience that I have now playing for so many years helps me deal with my nerves, deal with expectations, but there is always very high expectations beginning with myself and of course now here the team and the nation.

I know that pretty much every single player that steps out on the court with me wants to get a scalp. You know, they want to win, they want to play their best tennis. But, you know, it's a good problem to have, to be honest. You know, I don't complain. You know, I'm very proud of the career that I had and the situation and the position that I'm in.

It motivates me. Pressure motivates me. It really forces me to go into my lockdown mode, in a way, to focus and get the best out of me, you know, in the Davis Cup weeks. Playing for my country, it's probably, I guess, multiplied even more that kind of feeling of motivation.