• Australian Open

Djokovic looking to exact revenge on Wawrinka

ESPN staff
January 28, 2015
Djokovic sets up Wawrinka rematch

Novak Djokovic is looking to avenge last year's dramatic Australian Open defeat to Stan Wawrinka when the two face each other in Friday's semi-final.

Wawrinka went on to win the 2014 championship after overcoming then-champion Djokovic in five breathless sets, and booked another Melbourne clash with the Serb when he beat Kei Nishikori in straight sets on Tuesday morning.

Djokovic, who cruised into the semi-finals after brushing aside Milos Raonic in less than two hours, is desperate to banish the memories of losing to Wawrinka a year ago.

Novak Djokovic proved too hot to handle for Milos Raonic © Getty Images
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"I'm going to be ready for a fight," he said. "Stan is the defending champion here and we played five-set matches in 2013 and 2014 at the Australian Open. I'm ready for it. I'm going to practice tomorrow, do a little preparation for the match, try to analyse his game and what I need to do in order to win."

Djokovic didn't even concede a break point on his way to a routine 7-6(5) 6-4 6-2 win over Raonic, and thinks he is coming into form at the perfect time.

"Since that first game of the second set I played a great match. Knowing that I have raised the level of performance tonight is affecting my confidence in a positive way.

"[Wawrinka] is playing very confidently. All these years we all knew that he had a great quality tennis game, but mentally he didn't believe enough that he could win grand slams.

"I think that changed in the last two years and that's why his results are the way they are and he's a grand slam champion and Davis Cup champion.

"He's one of the guys to beat in this tournament, so I look forward to the challenge."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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