Quote of the Day: Novak Djokovic’s message to Wimbledon challengers: 'It ain’t happening'

WATCH: Really? "Of Course" Novak Djokovic Believes He's The Favorite | Wimbledon

No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic extended his Centre Court winning streak to 44 matches in a row on Tuesday, and he did so in particularly cruel fashion.

He gave his opponent, Andrey Rublev, hope for exactly one set, and then instantly crushed it by winning the next three in one-sided fashion for a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 victory. Back in the semifinals of a Grand Slam for an all-time record-equalling 46th time, the victory also solidified his status as a tournament favorite.

“I mean, I don't want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favorite,” the seven-time Wimbledon winner told press after the match.

“Judging with the results I had in my career here, [the] previous four occasions of Wimbledon that I won, and reaching another semifinal, so I do consider myself favorite, yes.”

We know it, Djokovic knows it—and of course, so do Djokovic’s opponents. The world No. 2 knows that his opponents will always be fired up playing against him, and he relishes the additional challenge:

Q. Every time you come out here, you have a target on your back. You are the one to beat. Billie Jean King famously says that pressure is a privilege… How do you cope with that mentally?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I love it. (applause)

I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you on the court. It is a privilege, as Billie Jean said. Pressure is part of what we do, it is part of our sport. It’s never going to go away, regardless of how many Grand Slams you win or how many matches you won or how many years that you’re playing professionally on the tour.

The pressure is paramount, every single time I come out on the court, particularly here on Centre Court at Wimbledon. But at the same time it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of, and it inspires me to play my best tennis.

I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win… but it ain’t happening, still.

The 36-year-old will take on another youngster in the semifinals, as he gets a Wimbledon rematch with Jannik Sinner. Last year, the Italian led by two sets to love before Djokovic dealt him a heartbreaking defeat in an epic five-set comeback. This time around, he expects Sinner will be even more eager to gain his revenge—just another day in the office for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“He's a very complete player. Now, first time in semis of Wimbledon. I'm looking forward to that challenge,” Djokovic said. “We both have two days to recover.

“I'm sure that he's going to be very, very motivated to win. On the other hand, I am, too.”