World News Philippoussis: Demon can win but don’t upset Novak Blog

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Wimbledon favourite Mark Philippoussis believes Alex de Minaur can cause an upset by beating Novak Djokovic in his first quarter-final on Centre Court, but smiles that making the seven-time champion angry might not be the best idea.

Australian tennis greats were optimistic about the ‘Demon’s’ chances of defeating the seven-time champion on Wednesday, but all agreed with former Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge’s assessment that the Sydneysider will have to play ‘the match of his life’.

Ahead of the invited legends’ doubles match at SW19, Philippoussis, the 2003 finalist, said: “Of course he (de Minaur) can beat Djokovic. He has the game and the mentality to compete against anyone.”

“He’s doing everything he needs to do, is in the top 10 in the world, plays with confidence, offers the best tennis of his career, has already won a grass tournament this season and continues to put the top players under pressure.

“We know how much heart he has and how fast he is on the court, but the good thing is that he has become more aggressive, which I think is a big part of him making it into the top 10.”

But Philippoussis, now 47, had to smile when he saw Djokovic angrily attack the Dane’s fans after his victory over Holger Rune in the round of 16 on Monday, who he felt showed him no respect with their chants.

“I saw a little bit of what was happening. I could see him doing something at the change of ends and I thought to myself: ‘Okay, something’s going on, someone has upset him – which is not a good idea. You don’t want to upset Novak!’

“I think he wants to hear ‘boo’ to be honest because it makes him play better. If I was letting him play, I would just compliment him on a change of ends. I don’t want to upset that guy at all, that’s for sure!

“To be honest, I actually like to see that attitude towards certain parts of the audience. That’s exactly what he has to offer.”

“It’s just something he uses to his advantage. I’m not saying he has to, but sometimes you just see it in his eyes when he’s focused on something and excited, he’s on a whole different level mentally. He’s just smarter and uses that to play better.

“His confidence is growing with every game. His confidence has also grown with regard to his knee (which had to be operated on a month ago).

“If you want to win a Grand Slam, you have to play against the best in the world and beat the best – and this guy is that.”

Like the rest of Australian tennis, Philippoussis was dismayed by de Minaur’s muted celebrations after he sustained a hip injury while stretching for the match-winning volley against Frenchman Arthur Fils.

“It’s not the kind of celebration you expect before reaching the quarter-finals, but I know it’s normal to feel a twinge in your muscles in the second week of Wimbledon,” said the server known as “Scud.”

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