“He reminds me of me” – Djokovic looking forward to very physical match against Rune

22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and world No 7 Holger Rune will clash in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on Wednesday in a repeat of the Paris Masters final, which the Dane won.

Djokovic, who will lose the world No 1 ranking to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday, said he expects a very physical clash against the Danish teen, who he suggested reminds him of himself.

“He kind of reminds me [of me] a little bit, the way he plays. Really fit physically, great defense, but also great counter-puncher,” the Serb said following his fourth round win in Rome on Tuesday. “He can hurt you from both forehand and backhand side. Really solid serve. Aggressive returns. Just all-around player on all surfaces. Particularly on clay I think he finds himself really comfortable playing. He played finals of Monaco, was really close to win the title there. He’s in very good form and I look forward to a challenge. I think it’s going to be a very physical match.”

Djokovic, who has practised a few times with Rune, had nice things to say about his younger opponent, who he called one of the hardest workers on the tour.

“Even though he’s really young, I know his game quite well. He’s been on the tour now for last few years playing some great tennis, particularly in the last I would say six to eight months. He’s been really establishing himself as a top player. He’s a top-10 player, deservedly so. He’s been playing some really high-quality tennis. He’s one of the hardest workers out there. Nice guy. I get along well with him. On the court obviously we certainly want to win against each other.” the Serb added.

“It’s good to have the chance to challenge myself and challenge hopefully Novak Djokovic tomorrow” – Rune

On his part, Rune anticipates a tough match against Djokovic as well, adding that he is looking forward to challenging himself against one of the greatest players of all time.

“I’m feeling better and better coming into Roland-Garros. I feel like I’m getting closer to my best level. Still a few things that I feel like I can do better, which is nice because I still have time,” Rune told the media after his fourth round win on Tuesday. “Tomorrow’s going to be a good challenge to see where I’m at. Novak is one of the greatest players that ever played the game. It’s good to have the chance to challenge myself and challenge hopefully Novak tomorrow.”

While their last match came on indoor hardcourts (overall H2H is 1-1), Rune expects a similar battle on the clay courts of Rome, a tournament that Djokovic has won six times and reached at least the quarter-finals for 17 years in a row.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s going to be so different (from our last match). Novak Djokovic is an all-court player. I think he’s tough no matter where you play him. He’s shown that. He’s won Rome six times (smiling). It says itself that it’s going to be tough. I have to be at my best. Now recover physically, try to be as ready as I can for tomorrow, try to play my best tennis because I will need that for tomorrow, for sure,” the Dane said.

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