What the stars have to say ahead of Australian Open 2017

It’s less than 48 hours until the finest players in the tennis world grace the blue courts at the Australian Open.

A host of players have been conducting their pre-tournament press conferences and here is the best of the bunch:

NOVAK DJOKOVIC… on his first round opponent Fernando Verdasco, who he saved five match points against last week in Doha.

“I still haven’t had any nightmares, so I can’t call it a nightmare draw,” he said on Saturday.”I hope I don’t have to defend match points again! He’s a complete player and can beat anyone.”

SERENA WILLIAMS… fires a warning to the women’s draw.

“If I can play the way I’ve been practising, it will be fine.”

BELINDA BENCIC… is clearly not daunted by her 1st round opponent.

“I’m pumped to be playing Serena in the first round. These are the opportunities we [tennis players] play for.”

NICK KYRGIOS… is feeling confident ahead of his home Grand Slam.

“I still feel like I can do some major damage and get to the second week and really cause some upsets, my expectations are still pretty high.”

ROGER FEDERER… on his six month absence from the Tour.

“I missed the matches. The feeling of winning. Walking out onto a stadium court. Seeing the guys. It’s like an extended family.”

KAROLINA PLISKOVA… hopes to quell expectations.

“I would definitely not take me as a favourite of this tournament. It’s a big draw. There is a lot of players. I just take it step by step.”

ANDY MURRAY… might be dealing with some jokers calling him “Sir” Andy after his Knighthood.

“Well, yeah, but not genuinely, I don’t think (smiling).”

NAOMI OSAKA… is happy to deal with her increased profile.

“I want to live up to the hype.”

KEI NISHIKORI… is aiming high.

“I hope I can win a Grand Slam soon….My goal this year is to win a big tournament.”

MILOS RAONIC… explains what he hopes new coach Richard Krajeck will bring to the table.

“I think Richard could really help me in being more aggressive, more forward orientated, and more efficient when I’m able to get myself coming in.”

GARBINE MUGURUZA…enjoys tennis mad Aussies during January.

“I think I feel when I come to Australia there is like a tennis month. It’s like crazy. I’m okay, tennis month. I put the TV, everybody is watching tennis. The fans, they’re so involved in this month because of the tennis.