Novak Djokovic sponsor makes Australian Open final gaff ahead of Daniil Medvedev clash

Tennis: Medvedev puts all the pressure on Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic’s racket sponsor HEAD have released an email congratulating the world No 1 on his ninth Australian Open title – despite his final with Daniil Medvedev yet to be played. The sports brand have jumped the gun ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.

Djokovic is hoping to avenge his ATP Finals loss to Medvedev when the pair meet on Rod Laver Arena.

However, his sponsors are so confident of success they sent out an email which congratulated the Serbian.

A fresh email did later circulate which read: “What we meant to say is…. Good luck Novak in the 2021 Australian Open final.”

HEAD can be forgiven for expecting that Djokovic will go on to win a record-extending ninth title in Melbourne.

The 33-year-old has never been beaten in an Australian Open final and he is hoping to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam tallies.

Medvedev is hoping to signal the changing of the guard if he beats his older opponent in the final.

But Djokovic insists he will not be giving the youngsters any signal that his reign is over.

“There has been a lot of talks about the new generations coming and taking over the three of us, but realistically that isn’t happening still,” Djokovic told Eurosport.

“I mean we can talk about it all day if you want, but with all my respect about the other guys, they still have, you know, a lot of work to do.

“Of course Dominic Thiem winning the Grand Slam title [last year’s US Open] is fantastic. I mean these guys are very strong, they play high quality tennis without a doubt. Certainly they will be the leaders, those names that you mentioned, of the future of tennis without a doubt.

“But I’m not going to stand here and hand it over to them. I’m going to make them work their arse off for that.”

Speaking of his upcoming opponent, Djokovic added: “Daniil Medvedev, as I said previously, is the player to beat.

“He’s on a big winning streak. He ended out the season best possible fashion. I mean, winning quite comfortably, actually, against top players, against myself in straight sets in London, and he just has improved a lot. I mean, he has a big serve. For a tall guy, he moves extremely well.

“Forehand maybe was his weaker shot, but he has improved that, as well. Backhand is as good as it gets. He’s so solid.

“He doesn’t give you much. But he’s not afraid nowadays to attack and get to the net and take it to his opponents.

“He’s just so solid. Also, I heard Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it’s true. You know, he’s definitely very smart tennis player.”

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