By Alberto Amalfi | Thursday, February 26, 2015

 

"I try to help him because I see, in a way, myself through him," says Novak Djokovic of practice partner Borna Coric.

Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Novak Djokovic isn't feeling lonely at the top these days.

When the world No. 1 looks across the net at practice partner Borna Coric, he sees a striking similarity to a reigning Grand Slam champion — himself.

More: Coric Crushes Murray to Reach Dubai Semifinals

The top-seeded Djokovic, who has practiced with the 18-year-old Croat in recent months, sees himself in Coric.

"I practiced with him a lot in last two, three months. Spent some time in Dubai and he was here so we practiced a few times, practiced a few times in Australia," Djokovic said in his press conference at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. "I try to help him because I see, in a way, myself through him. I've never felt that way when I practice with somebody as I felt with him."

Playing Coric is like facing the man in the mirror, Djokovic said.

"It's like playing myself. Very similar game," Djokovic said. "Great fighting spirit, disciplined, focused, committed, confident, very young but confident, which is important."

Coric lost only two points on his first serve sweeping Andy Murray, 6-1, 6-3, to advance to the Dubai semifinals today.

At the age of 18 years, 3 months, Coric is the youngest Dubai semifinalist since Rafael Nadal won the 2006 title at the age of 19 years, 8 months.

Coric's comfort level against the elite commands attention from Top 10 players.

"He's definitely one of the most talented players right now the world," said Djokovic. "He beat Nadal in Basel four or five months ago, and since that tournament you can feel he has matured a lot. He feels comfortable playing with top players."

It is the second career semifinal for Coric, who defeated No. 13 Ernests Gulbis, Andrey Golubev and No. 3 Nadal to reach the Basel semifinals last fall before falling to David Goffin in three sets.

Djokovic says Coric possesses the qualities necessary to be a top player.

"He's a good boy and we have good relationship," Djokovic said. "I try to always talk with him, give him few advices.  I think he has a bright future if he is able to stay on the pathway he is right now and be patient and, you know, he has a good team of people around him. Just reaching quarterfinals here, obviously beating Baghdatis and a couple good players says enough about his quality. 

"He's only 18 years old.  It takes a little bit of time, but he's already, as I see, physically matured, a strong guy, and I wish him all the best."