Tennis: Djokovic pokes fun at Courier's interview style

Novak Djokovic pokes fun at Jim Courier. Photo / Getty

Novak Djokovic had just finished taking care of Roger Federer, but he had another victim to take down before the night was over.

In his current capacity as a commentator, Jim Courier's usually the one that gets to pass judgment on players. But this time, the Serb wanted to try something different, and he decided to give the American some thoughts of his own.

Speaking to Courier after his 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 win over Federer to earn a spot in the Australian Open final for the sixth time - the first time in history anyone has managed such a feat - the former legend was getting to the end of his interview when he had something unusual he wanted to ask the 28-year-old.

"Just two more questions then I'll let you go," said Courier.

My first question is a real simple one. We started the interview over here (motioning to a spot on the court), you keep moving that way (away from Courier). Do I smell? What's going on, why do you keep moving away from me?"

"OK this is what you do," replied Djokovic.

"You ask a question and then you step in. I had enough face-offs tonight, I don't need anymore."

Djokovic's funny burn had the Rod Laver Arena crowd applauding as loudly as they had done all night, showing they appreciate a good joke as well as any forehand winner.
Unsurprisingly, those on social media also showed the love for the five-time Australian Open winner.

In the 45th instalment of an epic rivalry locked at 22 wins apiece, Djokovic opened with an ace, held for love and won 12 of the first 14 points to charge to a 3-0 lead.

Hitting with incredible power and precision, the top seed gained a second break and closed out the first set in 22 minutes.

Only once in 16 previous attempts had Federer beaten Djokovic after conceding the opening set.

There appeared no way back after Djokovic broke the third seed twice more and barely dropped a point on his own serve in storming to a two-set advantage inside an hour.
Federer saved another break point in the fifth game of the third set before producing his best tennis of the night, including a crazy running crosscourt pass, to break Djokovic for 4-2 and draw thunderous applause from the sellout crowd.

The ageless champion held firm to clinch the set on his third set point and suddenly the crowd had a match on their hands. Striving to become the oldest Open champion since Ken Rosewall in 1972, the 34-year-old had Djokovic down love-30 immediately upon the resumption of play after the roof was shut.

But Federer couldn't convert and paid the price as Djokovic, after benefiting from a fortuitous net-cord winner, broke the Swiss for a decisive 5-3 advantage before closing out his 34th win from his past 35 grand slam encounters.

- news.com.au with AAP