Novak Djokovic makes Rafael Nadal DEMAND in touchy Australian Open press conference
NOVAK DJOKOVIC demanded journalists stop asking him about Rafael Nadal during his Australian Open press conference.
Australian Open: Djokovic refuses to talk about Nadal
Djokovic eased into the semi-finals in Melbourne after his last-eight opponent Kei Nishikori retired.
The world No 1 had taken a 6-1, 4-1 lead when the Japanese star was unable to continue because of pain in his right thigh.
Djokovic is now the favourite to beat Lucas Pouille in the next round, while Nadal takes on Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas in the other semi-final.
The draw is set up nicely for Djokovic and Nadal to clash in Sunday’s final.
But the Serbian has refused to look that far ahead.
“Right now it's my press conference, so it will be nice to talk about me more than Nadal,” Djokovic said.
“If you want to talk about our possible encounter, we talk about that if we both win semis.”
Djokovic apologised to the crowd after he only spent 52 minutes on court against Nishikori.
He then wished his opponent a speedy recovery - but ruled out any psychological advantage he may have had which could have ended the match prematurely.
“It's kind of hard to judge what has affected him psychologically tonight, because physically he was obviously hurt,” Djokovic added.
“I won most of our matches that we played against each other throughout our careers.
“But still he's a top-ten player for so many years, very experienced on the big stage.
Australian Open: Djokovic wishes Nishikori a 'speedy recovery'
“He has won against all of the top players in the big tournaments, so he's had that experience.
“I knew that if he's fit, he'll battle hard and he'll put in the fight, obviously wanting to win.
“It wasn't to be for him. I'm really sorry to see him go through pain.
“He's had some tough injuries in the last couple of years. I’m sure he's not feeling great about ending the Grand Slam this way.
“But he's had some marathon matches this tournament that probably have taken the toll on his body.”