Novak Djokovic speaks out on ‘locker room threats’ as he fires warning to rivals
Novak Djokovic has revealed that he’s but to obtain any ‘threats’ from fellow gamers after impersonating quite a few his rivals throughout a observe session on the US Open. The Serb breezed into the second spherical on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Alexandre Muller to mark his return to Flushing Meadows following a two-year absence.
Djokovic managed to assert the spoils in simply 96 minutes and cruised by means of the opening set with out shedding a sport. He went on to make gentle work of Muller in units two and three, with the end result confirming his return to the highest of the ATP singles rankings.
It was strictly enterprise for Djokovic in the course of the match however issues took a lighter flip throughout his post-match interview whereas discussing a latest observe session. He entertained the group by impersonating quite a few fellow tennis gamers, none of whom objected to it afterwards.
Djokovic defined that he will likely be trying to brush up on his impersonation abilities prepared for subsequent time, saying: “It’s a little bit outdated you know, I guess I have to work on them. I haven’t done impersonations in quite a few years.
“Actually, the primary time I’ve achieved it sort of on an enormous stage was right here in entrance of you guys, 2006 or 2007. And the response was good from the group, from the gamers not a lot. I have never had any threats but within the locker room [for] what I’ve achieved [a] few days in the past, so I’d do one other observe session with some impersonations.”
Djokovic was then quizzed on his thoughts about playing late matches at the US Open, with his victory over Muller stretching into the early hours of the morning in New York.
“[It] began fairly late, clearly,” he said. “There was a ceremony between matches and I knew that I might need a late begin. But nonetheless, you understand, I used to be excited to exit on the court docket, it has been a few years. Thanks for all of the individuals who stayed, virtually one [o’clock in the morning].
“I appreciate your presence this late. Children should go to sleep but adults, you can stay, thanks a lot. Night sessions on Arthur Ashe are always something very special.”
Djokovic will likely be in motion once more on Wednesday when he faces Bernabe Zapata Miralles within the second spherical of the US Open. He will likely be determined to keep away from making an early exit in his bid to topple defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who beat him within the Wimbledon last earlier this 12 months.