Denis Istomin, at age 33, has played a lot of tennis, including a shocking upset in 2017, taking down the #1 player in the world. With a high ranking of #33, he has played all the other top players, as well. Denis sat down with Tennis Acumen in Columbus, Ohio. Here's part of that interview with Karl Corbett.
Karl: People love to hear about breakthrough matches and winning streaks. With that in mind, will you tell me about the Australian Open in 2017, beating Novak Djokovic? What was that experience like, just from the heart?
Denis: Actually, at that moment I was feeling great. I was happy that I beat Nole. But since then, everybody has put too much attention on this match. You know, this is the past. It's gone, and I'm still playing. I have to be there for every match. I won that match, but I have played so many matches. I have different stories, you know. Of course, to beat Novak, it's great. But to beat anyone is great. It's a win. You know, it doesn't matter who you play. It’s a win.
Denis: I mean, you cannot stop playing because you beat Djokovic or you beat Federer or you beat Nadal. Life continues. You have to win as much as you can. You cannot just stop after a win, and say it’s fine. In the Australian Open, that was just the second round. I didn't win the tournament. I didn't win the Grand Slam. It was just second round.
Karl: You know that's very thoughtful.
Denis: Actually, people place so much attention on that one match, but it's already in the past. Personally I just forgot about it, and that's it. I am sure Nole forgot about it the next day, forgot that he lost. Really, it's years ago. I have pretty much forgotten what I was thinking after the match.
Karl: Thank you for that. That's an intelligent look at things, Denis.
READ MORE: What is it like to play against a friend? Denis tells us, here: (LINK)
There is more to this interview, and we'll get it all out to you. Stay tuned to Tennis Acumen.
You may also enjoy: Vasek Pospisil talks about winning Wimbledon, here: (LINK)
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