Q. How good is it to be back in the semifinal of a Grand Slam? NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it feels great. I mean, I haven't done that in the past three Grand Slams this year, so mentally was very important for me to overcome today's challenge and to be able to win quarterfinals and to get to the semifinals first time in the Grand Slams in 2009.
So now that I've done it I feel kind of a relief, and I hope I just can continue playing well and challenge eventually Federer if he gets to the semifinal.
Q. We saw Andy Murray yesterday come up a little bit flat. Didn't have much game to bring. Were you concerned about that in your game today? You struggled a little bit there in the second set today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I don't think we had a great first set. First set quality of the match wasn't its best. I've made a lot of unforced errors, he's made a lot of unforced errors, and I was lucky to get through in the tiebreak.
And then second set I still wasn't able to find the great, you know, rhythm, especially in the forehand side, and he used it. He stepped it in. He played very aggressive, and he deserved that second set.
I managed to come back, and that's what it matters. You know, I just tried to focus myself in the third set and work on some things. I returned more balls in on his serves, and I think serving well was as well one of the key elements in today's win.
Q. When he's on one of those hot streaks and playing at his highest level, what is your philosophy? Do you sit back and wait, or do you feel you have to react to that and do something different?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The dangerous thing about Verdasco is to let him take over the control of the match, because he's physically very strong and he's able to do a lot of things, especially from his forehand side, as we could see today. He improved a lot his backhand, so he stays much closer to the line.
He likes when the ball is coming a bit slower to him so he can, you know, do more things with it. That's why I tried to mix up the pace, you know, play some high balls and then fast balls to his forehand and try to just get him out of that comfort zone that he got in in the second set. I managed to do that.
Q. I understand you've been hosting children of 9/11 victims in your box. Can you talk about that, what that means to you, how it got started.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, well, I mean, we had this idea before the tournament, and I didn't want to talk about it, obviously. I think it's -- well, it's a gesture that I hope it means for them. I've been meeting, you know, four different guys, you know, in these two weeks.
I have been giving them some presents after the matches. Obviously we don't want to talk about the past and what happened. It's something that I have been going through, as well, something similar in my past, you know, through the war and all these things.
So I know what it feels like, so I just try to bring some smiles and make them enjoy. I hope that's what I did.
Q. Do they know who you are and what you've done on the court? Do they know you for your impressions or more for your tennis?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I haven't asked them that. (laughter.)
I think that's -- the main thing is that they enjoy it. I think that the guy I met today was first-time watching live tennis match. It was quarterfinal of US Open, and certainly it was a fantastic feeling for him.
About the impressions, I don't know if they have seen it. But it's going on on the Internet for a while.
Q. When you say that you don't want to talk about it or you haven't wanted to talk about it, do you mean you don't want to make it seem like it's a publicity thing, make it genuine from the heart?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: About what?
Q. I think when you responded to that question you said, you know, I obviously haven't wanted to talk about it.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, just because this is something that is negative to talk about, and I think it's a sad story from their side and from my side. So I guess in this moment we have no reason to talk about sad things, because, you know, we are here. We're trying to enjoy. We're young. They're young. They're trying to enjoy their life, and they came to tennis.
So this is the positive message. We don't want to, you know, get back in the past. What already happened, happened. It's life.
Q. Maybe it's just from the outside, but you seem more relaxed in this tournament than you've been. Is there any reason, or do you feel more relaxed?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I like playing here. You know, starting from the surface, which is quite suitable to my game, the fans, you know, the atmosphere, the entertainment, the show, I like it.
And the results that I've made in the past three years show how much enjoyment I have playing here. I had a lot of success, so that's probably the big reason why I continue playing well this year.
Q. At the end of the match you pointed to your box. How important is having your coaches during the last few weeks?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, support is something that is always welcome, especially in the big events like this. My coaches and all the people that are there, my girlfriend, my uncle, family members, friends, you know, they all have been with me throughout the US Open and throughout the all of my life.
So this is something that has been created throughout the years, these relations, this relationship I have with Marian. We've been working for four years already, and now starting to work with Todd Martin, as well.
So I always try to have a bunch of people around me, because then I feel better, and I can get as much opinions and as much thoughts as I can in order to progress.
Q. With the boos that you heard here last year after the Roddick match and all that, have you made an effort this year to get the crowd on your side? Are you trying to work with them, like the McEnroe thing the other night, just trying to get them behind you this year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I obviously -- obviously the crowd is very important and plays a crucial role in big matches.
What happened last year I was saying many times this year already in the conferences was misunderstanding, and obviously something that we all learn from. I learned from my mistakes.
I mean, it's all right, as long as I realize the things that happen and try to take the best out of it, and then, you know, try to gain back the crowd. I hope that's what I did, because I feel that I'm enjoying it again much more. It feels like 2007, you know, when I played finals here and did all these crazy things, impersonating the players.
So it was really a lot of enjoyment playing with McEnroe the other night. It was something else. You know, it was unexpected. I promise it wasn't planned. It just came out. It was good.
Q. When you get deep into a Slam, how do you find that balance between the work you do between the matches? Who makes that call? Is it you? Is it Marian? Who makes the call about the amount of time you do spend preparing?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, depending on the matches that I play and depending how my body feels, then we make a plan together. You know, they're the bosses. I have to follow what they say, you know. That's why they're there. They're coaches. It's their job to try to improve my game and make me feel good, and obviously all it's compromise.
Now we have an extra day to the semifinals. I think we're going to play golf. Todd is a great golfer. Generally we will practice a little bit, not too much.
Q. My name is Angela Buxton, and I've written a book called 303 Tips For Successful Tennis Players, together with a Serbian tennis coach called Nesa Simic, who I believe you might know.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes.
Q. It is due for publication, which includes Serbia as well as worldwide early next year. As the leading Serbian tennis player, I would be very grateful if you could say something encouraging to young Serbian players and worldwide that would encourage them that could be used in the book.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Wow. I should carefully choose my next words obviously in the book. If you want, we can do it later one on one? Better? I can dedicate my time to you more. You want me to do it now and embarrass myself?
THE MODERATOR: He can think about it and give you the stuff you need.
Q. You are playing so well in this time, and the way you're walking on the corridor seeing all these ex-champion's photos, are you inspired by these photos?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think that's why they're there, the photos just in the corridor before the match, before the tennis court, so they can, you know, kind of motivate the players and just kind of give players something to want, you know, before they come on the court.
They need to be very focused, and obviously the champions that have won here can be a great role models and great examples to us.
Q. You kind of joked the other night when someone asked you about your relationship with Todd. What, you don't think that we make a good couple? Can you just talk a little bit about how different your personalities are? I mean, he seems quite serious, at least with a dry sense of humor. What you have learned from him in the time you've worked with him?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I think it's obvious, and people can see that we're quite, quite different. You know, I like to speak and fool around, and he likes to take his time whenever he says anything to anybody. He likes to take his time.
He's a wiser man than me, absolutely, and more experience and had more intelligent. You know, I think we make a good combination. He's a great, great guy. What I like with him is that he's always looking for positives in anything we talk about, anything we work on.
He always tries to motivate me and find that confidence and prove to me that I have good quality and that I can improve more on the court. This is the person that I need, you know, with his -- you know, the facts are that he was top 5 player, played a couple of Grand Slam finals.
With that experience, obviously he can add up to, you know, the things that I can learn.
Q. Is there one specific area, besides the mental game, but one thing that perhaps even you're surprised he's helped with?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think you can always -- you can ever get your game to the perfection, you know. Only if you're Federer. (laughter.)
I mean, you always try to improve on some things. You know, I play great from the baseline. You know, I have a solid serve, good return. But, you know, all the times it's ups and downs. In one period, forehand works and other, it doesn't.
So you always try -- it's a mental game. It's a mental challenge, and you obviously always have to be focused and try to work hard on the things and maintain that level of performance.
And serve and net play is something that I have been working with him lately a lot.
Q. Even though you won today, you looked sometimes frustrated by your game. Next round you may face the perfection of Federer. What do you wish to improve, would like to improve, between the two rounds?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, look, I show my emotions a lot on the court. I'm very temperament, and everybody is different. Sometimes I get too hard on myself.
But well, that's what I have done all my life, and, you know, I think it's been working okay. You know, even if I'm hard on myself I try to -- in the way I try to push myself and really make a stroke or something that has not been working better.
Q. What do you wish to make better for the next round?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I just need to be -- if I play with Roger, you know, we don't need to talk a lot about him. His records in US Open, we all know his style of the game. I have been playing against him many, many times and a lot of different kind of surfaces.
There is no secrets in each other's game, so I just -- it's a matter of good day. I hope I can have a good day and concentrate, and physically I'm going to have enough time to recover and be ready.
End of FastScripts
:: 09/11 SF: N. DJOKOVIC l. to R. Federer 6-7, 5-7, 5-7 ::
Q. Is that guy a god or just a genius?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Ah, I have a big respect for all he has done throughout the years, and obviously making 20, 21, 2, 3, consecutive semifinals in the Grand Slams is a result that nobody ever done in the history of the sport.
So definitely, you know, he's one of the best, even maybe the best player that ever played these games. But, look, today I think we both -- we both didn't play our best. We had the moments when we played some good shots. We had fun on the court. It was interesting to play this match.
I had the feeling that I was close all three sets, and it's just that when I get close, when I am able to get to the breakpoints or I'm up a break, I just start making some unforced errors.
And I don't want to mention the word luck, but I didn't have it today. That's why I'm a little bit disappointed.
Q. I know you did just say you didn't play your best, but you certainly played with your heart out there. Do you sort of feel that if you played any other human being in the world out there today the way you played that you'd be sitting here the victor?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's hard to say. I mean, it's hard to predict anything in this sport, in any sport. It's the semifinals of the Grand Slam. I'm playing a guy who won five consecutive Grand Slams -- US Opens.
So he's absolute favorite, and I was aware of that. But I believe that I could win, because last two years we have played we have quite close matches. I won against this guy, you know, four times in the past, so I kind of knew the way I should play.
But, you know, in these moments he comes up with some great shots. He comes up with very, very precise serves, which give him a lot of advantage, and that's why he's the best in the world. You've got to give him all the credit for that.
Q. Was that shot almost a metaphor for the match, the one at the end through the legs? Was that almost a metaphor for the match?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, look, you know, as I said, I get the feeling he plays more relaxed in the last couple of years, because now he became a father and got married and broke all the records.
He just gets on the court and he wants to play his best and win more. That's what makes him even more dangerous. That's why he plays even better.
I mean, that shot that he hit, you saw the reaction of the crowd. I mean, what can I explain?
But it was funny, on these shots, you know, you just say, Well done; too good. What can you do?
Q. What about your reaction? You've had several fun reactions. Here you're in the semis and you're having so much fun. How are you able to do that? It didn't look like you had much pressure on you.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, believe me, I was trying to control my every nerves all the time. I'm kind of player who likes the emotions and very temperamental on the court. You didn't see a lot of racquet throwing, but it could have been a lot -- a lot -- today, especially because I knew that I was so close of winning all three sets, and then just a couple of points decided, you know.
But if you ask me if I had fun today and enjoy it, yes, I did, absolutely.
Q. Everyone likes to talk about your nice games, but there was one game when you were up 4-2 that you played terrible.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I did. That's exactly the game. I think that's the worst game I played all match. Who knows? If I was 5-2-up, a lot of things can change. If you win a set, it's a big advantage. You know, you could get the confidence. The other opponent starts being a little confused and gets out of the comfort zone.
But, you know, that's tennis. I have lost it. I had the opportunity and I didn't use it, so that's why I regret. But, you know, there is many more years to come.
Q. But also many times when you lose the point or that you're in trouble you look to your corner, where Federer doesn't do that. Don't you think that you look a little bit more unsecure [sic] because of that? I mean, it's like you're not really convinced that you can do it. Every time you get close, and then something happens.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, look, every player has a different routine, has a different way of getting himself motivated on the court. I like to have a look in my corner and have the support of my closest ones, and that's what I was getting.
But sometimes in the moments of frustration as well, I look at them and just say, Can somebody come and help me out, you know? (laughter.) Let's hit two against one or something.
But, yeah.
Q. Novak, on court today you obviously had some moments of resignation, What can I do? But also in your career you've beaten Roger and you've won a Slam and you're ranked highly. Do you feel a fire that you can be No. 1, or is it a little bit of an acceptance that just I'm playing in the Roger Federer era and it's kind of tough?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, as you said, winning a Grand Slam and winning against most of the top players that are active right now gives me enough hope and enough reason to believe that I can be No. 1.
As I said, you know, you can't rely on one tournament, one Grand Slam. You have to play consistent throughout the whole year, and that's the key. I mean, when you are playing and competing against the player like Roger who played 22 consecutive semifinals of a Grand Slam, then that proves that -- that proves enough.
I don't like to pay attention too much in rankings, points up, down, dropping, winning. You know, it's too confusing. So I just try to play my best tennis and remain this high quality of performance throughout the year.
I know that losing third round of French Open is going to hurt me a lot in the rankings. You know, that's one of the costs that maybe I dropped in place. If I manage to come to the semifinals or more in the French, maybe I would be third or second in the world. Who knows?
This is all I think just the details, and I know that I deserve to be there. I hope for a better performance next time against Roger. If I get opportunity to play again in this late stages of the Grand Slam, I'll try to do my best again.
You know, you have to keep on trying. It's not a matter of how hard you fall. It's a matter of how quick you stand up.
So I try to...
Q. If the tennis gods came to you and said, Novak, please, please, give us one weakness in Roger Federer's tennis game, what would that be?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Ah, well, look, he's definitely not unbeatable, you know. He's most consistent, he's most concentrated, mentally strongest guy on the tour, and his movement is unbelievable. There is many, many things you can say nice about him. But, you know, there are some disadvantages, as well.
You know, he gives you a lot of slice returns back so you have time a little bit more to open up the court and things like that.
But, you know, he's always there. That's what makes him better than all the others, you know, because he plays every point, regardless what the result is, you know.
Q. As someone who has won a Slam and knows what it takes, how deep now do you think the tour is in players who can win a Slam? Has Del Potro moved up into that category? Is Murray still in it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Definitely, yeah.
Del Potro is showing his best tennis in last couple of months, and you've got to give him credit for that. He's still a young guy, but extremely moving well for his height and all-around player, as well. Very strong serve and great consistency from the groundstrokes.
I think he has a good chance against Roger if he plays his best. Why not? I mean, it's different when you -- you know, when you didn't win a Grand Slam, then you maybe face a little mental challenge on the late stages of the Grand Slam, like maybe Murray did last year in finals US Open, and throughout this year, as well.
Definitely Del Potro, Murray, Roddick, these guys can still win -- you know, are in the group to win the Grand Slams, and many others, as well.
Q. As great as you are, do you ever look across...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Oh, thanks. (laughter.) There you go, somebody said something nice. (laughter.)
Q. But looking over the net at Roger, are you ever amazed at his consistency and what he can continue to do?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I think in the matches against Roger, it's a matter of -- well, from my perspective, it's a matter of self-belief.
You should just hang in there. That's why I tried -- I was two sets down, and it's hard when you're two sets down against a player like Roger who basically hasn't lost a match throughout the whole -- his career, when he was two sets up in a Grand Slam.
So, you know, it's kind of hard to stay there, but I was trying to push myself and kind of wait for opportunities. And when they have been given to me, I didn't use them. Again. That's what is a little bit disappointing. You know, you're right there. You have to make an extra step, and you don't.
And then if you get a chance, one chance, you've got to use it. Otherwise you don't get any.
Q. Does it hit your brain at all? Did you think about that?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, certainly I did. You know, kind of stopped there, yeah.
Q. Before you said that none of you two played at his best today. What in your opinion today Federer didn't play at his best? What was missing more than you expected?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: He was missing a lot of returns, I guess. But he was all the time -- you know, whenever he need today serve well, he did. Whenever he needed to defend well from the forehand side or backhand side, that's what he did.
He used the opportunities. He puts that extra pressure on me when on the break balls, or set points he gets to the net. So these things make difference.
Q. I lost count of the number of times you challenged correctly. How grateful were you to have the replay system, and how concerning is it that so many calls were...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't know what happened today really with the line judges. It's unbelievable. And with the chair umpire. I mean, how many times they have missed, and not just close. It was like...
So I was supportive of challenge Chase Review since it came to the sport, and I think it's great for the tennis players, great for the crowd. It's interesting.
For the chair umpire, not really. (laughter.) They don't like to see when they made a big mistake. But, you know, at least it gives us opportunity to see if they're right or not.
Q. A lot of people would suggest that as a player gets older and they have children, you know, family and maybe they've got the records and things behind them that perhaps maybe they become complacent. And yet you suggested earlier that you think that Roger has actually developed perhaps a calmness about him as a result of that.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think that's obvious the way he's playing. Starting from Madrid, he has lost maybe one or two matches. I mean, he's maybe playing the tennis of his life.
Q. So do you think that that mindset, having the records behind him and...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, that's my opinion, but you've got to ask him the way he feels. I mean, he's going to tell you better probably. It's just my opinion on things. The way he stands on the court, the way he approaches the matches, it's different, you know. It's like more relaxed.
Q. Maybe you should get married. (laughter.)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: (Pointing.) She's here. Look... Now, you give her reason enough to ask. She's going to expect something in the next couple of weeks. (laughter.) I don't know.
Q. Since you're in New York anyway, you seem to be a student of the game as well as being a great player. Are you going to come here tomorrow to watch the final?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Ah, look, I don't like -- this is one thing that I don't like. When I get out of the tournament, I don't like to watch anymore. I don't like not being there.
Q. You're leaving New York in a different relationship with the fans than you left last year, and that's been, I think, a really conscious and admirable effort on your part. Do you think you understand more now what part of your job involves sort of almost a responsibility to be a performer in that sense, to have a bond with fans, no matter where you are in the world, whether it's New York or Paris or London or anywhere?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's very important from my standpoint, and I think any professional athlete has to have the good relationship between him and the fans.
Fans are the ones who are coming to -- paying the tickets to come to see you and support you. They look up to you as a role model, and they appreciate what you do. They respect you as a successful athlete, so you've got to give them something in return.
This is a fact. And the crowd here, you know, they love entertainment, and I have a feeling that I might even got the best relationship with this New York crowd throughout last couple of years of any tournaments.
I just feel great, you know. They have been supporting me. And when you have crowd behind you, it's a big advantage, you know. It kind of lifts you up in the bad moments, and it's very important.
