Filip Krajinovic refuses Novak Djokovic advice ahead of Roger Federer clash in Australia

Filip Krajinovic is confident he can ruffle Roger Federer’s feathers in their Australian Open second-round clash without the help of his good friend Novak Djokovic.

Filip Krajinovic is set to battle the 20-time Grand Slam winner on Rod Laver Arena in the pick of the night matches.

The Serbian has lost all three of his previous meetings with Federer.

But his Davis Cup team-mate Djokovic knows exactly what it takes to topple the Swiss star.

However, Krajinovic refuses to seek help as he wants to try and conquer the challenge on his own terms.

“I know Roger myself well enough,” the world No 41 said. “I do not need that!”

Krajinovic has only ever won one set against Federer but that came in the 38-year-old’s backyard in Basel.

“It was three hard sets,” Federer reflects. “He has been in the top 30 once and can play very well.

“He is very strong from the baseline, has a good backhand and a strong return.”

All of the odds are stacked against Krajinovic and he feels there is no need to explain the enormous task he is up against.

“They push themselves, make themselves the best in history. It’s good for tennis.”

Meanwhile, Federer thinks it will take him three rounds to find his best form in Melbourne.

He said: “So I think for me really the first three rounds are key to get going, to get used to the pressure, stay calm, when to save breakpoint or 30-All points or whatever it may be or just to stay calm if you’re down a set and a break or whatever it might be.

“This is sort of the unknown that can be a little bit scary at times. But today there was none of that because I broke early each set and was able to get on a roll, play freely after that.

“And also felt I had margin. You know, anything I was doing I felt like I had the game under control. That might not be the case in the next round, so I just think I have to be careful. Round-by-round, point-for-point mentality.

“I know other guys that are playing extremely well right now so I think it’s just important to stay very calm about thing

source: express.co.uk