His thoughts on the battle: “I think every point,every game mattered. The turning point for both players was right from the blocks,the very first game. Making an early break for me was important.
“Grigor is someone I truly admire and respect. He’s one of my best friends on the tour,we go back a long time,and he’s one of the most talented players you’ll see on the tour.
“I thought double break in the third was going to be enough for me,but he was locked in from that moment. It was an incredible battle,three sets over three hours. Let’s rest up and prepare for the next one.
On keeping up with the young guys: “35 is the new 25,you know? Look at Rafa,look at Andy,they’re all playing at an extremely high level. I’m trying do to the same.
“Obviously you start appreciating and valuing each tournament more because you might not have a lot left in the tank. I can’t be more grateful than I am.
On why the Australian Open is his most successful major: “I love the conditions here,particularly the night sessions,it’s played really well for me,for my style of tennis,and I guess the more you win on the court,the more confident you feel next time you step on the court.
On the match-up with Alex de Minaur next: “Obviously de Minaur one of the quickest guys on tour,if not the quickest. He’s got Lleyton Hewitt in his corner,a multiple grand slam winner,that’s a great team. I don’t know how many of you[in the crowd] will be on my side ... but I look forward to it.”