"I really love Monica": Novak Djokovic cherishes joining Seles in Australian Open record books

Novak Djokovic admitted he didn’t enjoy his Australian Open quarterfinal match with Taylor Fritz Tuesday night, due to “a lot of suffering in every aspect.”

But in navigating his way through brutal on-court conditions and a worthy opponent, Djokovic walked off the court with an achievement close to his heart that he could cherish.

By defeating Fritz, Djokovic recorded his 33th successive win at Melbourne Park. It brought the Serbian even with Monica Seles for the longest Australian Open win streak in the Open Era.

Djokovic was overjoyed upon learning he joined Seles in the record books. For the two share a special connection in being coached by the late Jelena Gencic.

“I didn't know that I'm sharing this achievement, this record with her. It makes it of course even more special for me. I really love Monica,” the world No. 1 told press.

“I have had Monica in my head when I was growing up in Serbia pretty much every single day, because Jelena Gencic, my tennis mother, as I like to call her, worked with Monica when she was young. So I was hearing a lot about Monica, Monica this, Monica that, Monica eats this, Monica sleeps this much, Monica practices this way. So Monica was definitely one of my childhood idols and heroes, and I looked up to her very much.”

It makes it of course even more special for me. I really love Monica.

Djokovic is bidding to win his 25th major singles title, which would see him surpass Margaret Court for the all-time record. No player has managed to defeat the 36-year-old once he’s reached the semifinal stage of the first Grand Slam event on the tennis calendar. Djokovic has increased his Australian Open record to 94-8, where he is 20-0 across his semifinal and final matches.

“I'm aware of the streak that I'm on and the amount of matches that I have won in my career on the Rod Laver Arena. I don't want to let that go,” stated Djokovic. “The longer the streak goes, the more that kind of confidence, also expectations built, but also the willingness to really walk the extra mile, so to say.

“I just love playing in this court. It's been ‘the’ court for me in my career.”