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Novak Djokovic - Novak Djokovic has put his team of coaches to work studying tape of his epic five-set win over Stanislas Wawrinka eight months ago as the pair prepare to clash in a Saturday semi-final at the US Open.
Djokovic, the world number one and top seed in New York, made a January escape against his inspired Swiss opponent, no longer playing in the shadow of the mighty Roger Federer.
Though he scored the fourth-round win on his way to lifting the Australian Open title. Djokovic knows he needs a refresher course against Wawrinka, who stunned holder Andy Murray in a straight-set quarter-final demolition.
"I have a big team of people around me that will definitely do the analysis and tactical preparation for my next opponent," said six-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.
"I'm not going to watch the whole match that I had with Stan because it's going to take me half a day to stay next to the computer."
Djokovic has won his last 11 matches against world number 10 Wawrinka, dating to late 2007.
But the Serb world number one will not be underestimating the power and potential of his dangerous opponent.
"He's a very complete player, who can play equally well on any surface. He's had one of the best seasons I think in his life. I'm sure he's very confident and he has nothing to lose now. He's going to go for the win."
Wawrinka credits his fighting performance against Djokovic in Melbourne for sparking his improving season.
"It's one of the keys for sure. That was a really tough moment, but at the end, I was really positive with that match because all during the Australian Open my level was quite good and was better than ever.
"That's the most important for me. When I practise and feel I'm playing good tennis, then I know the result will come."
Wawrinka added: "I believe much more in myself, and my game is better too, and when I go on court I believe it's a lot.
"I've had some big confidence since the beginning of the year, and that helps."
Rafael Nadal will face Richard Gasquet of France in the other semi, with the Spanish second seed moving closer to possibly overtaking Djokovic as world number one.
The modest Nadal, winner of nine titles this season and 10-0 against Gasquet on the ATP, will only say that he needs to play a good match if he's to reach the Monday night final.
"If not, I will not have the chance to play the final and will see the final on TV. Right now, I'm only focused on a great match in the semi-finals.
"I hope to be at my 100 percent. That's the only way I feel I'm going to have my chance in the match."
Gasquet, who reached his only other Grand Slam semi-final six years ago at Wimbledon, has memories of his junior win over Nadal when at age 13 in a French junior tournament.
"I saw on YouTube that video sometimes. I can see I'm winning against him, so I don't believe it sometimes.
"It's very difficult to play against Rafa. I'm not the only one have a bad record. He's powerful, especially with the forehand.
"But I'm in semis in US Open, I want to do the best I can do. I will try to go in this match to win. If not, don't go on the court. I know he's the favourite of the match - nobody will say I'm the favourite - but I want to play a big match."
