‘I just liked it. I liked its roots and the trunks and branches and everything,’ the world No 1 tells reporters at post-match press conference

Novak Djokovic may not have received the universal love from Australian fans that other tennis greats of his era enjoyed, but the world No 1 has now opened up about a “special relationship” he has had in Melbourne and the strength it has given him over the past 15 years.

After his four-set defeat of local hope Alexei Popyrin on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night, the Serbian star spoke about a particular spot in Melbourne’s botanical gardens, home to a special tree he has kept returning to whenever he’s in town.

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