McCabe’s Instagram submit after practising with Djokovic

BENGALURU: In January 2022, when Novak Djokovic was embroiled within the deportation drama in Australia for being unvaccinated towards Covid, it appeared like he had no pals. The fiasco had kicked off a home furore and worldwide criticism was stinging.

But he did make just a few hearts really feel full and a type of was younger James McCabe’s. The 19-year-old Australian, who reached his first-ever Challenger semifinal on the dafaNEWS ATP Bengaluru Open on Friday, practised twice with Djokovic — as soon as instantly after the Serb was launched from immigration detention after which earlier than Djokovic was expelled.

Absolutely wonderful

“It was absolutely amazing,” McCabe stated. “I had played the Australian Open qualifying and lost in three sets. I thought I’d take the next day off. At 12 o’ clock my phone rang. Someone asked, ‘do you want to hit with Djokovic in 30 minutes at Rod Laver arena.’ I was like ‘yeah!’. That was probably my quickest shower, and the quickest I have ever run to the car.”

Back then McCabe was ranked 1211 in singles, having simply began on the professional tour. Now, he's on the cusp of breaking into the top-300. Still, there may be nothing to high his assembly with Djokovic.

“He is without doubt one of the nicest guys I've ever met. The means he performs and conducts himself, such a gentleman. I actually wished him to return again to Australia and win it.

Multi-faceted: Australia’s tennis participant James Mccabe has dabbled in cricket and swimming and loves music. He has learnt the piano and guitar and likewise performs the flute.| Photo Credit:Okay. MURALI KUMAR

“When I was very small (2013) I was at the coin toss of his match against David Ferrer and I picked Ferrer to make the call and everyone was laughing. Djokovic actually remembered that when I reminded him and that felt nice.

“I was sad to see him get kicked out and after that I made a post [on Instagram]. It [the practise] has got to be the highlight of my career.”

Like many Australians, McCabe’s is a multi-faceted persona. He dabbled in cricket and swimming and is in love with music. He learnt piano and guitar and performs the flute, by which he has an Associate in Music, Australia diploma. Incorporating the cadences from Western Classical music to his on-court play is one thing he actually believes in.

“Before matches I always listen to classical music…Beethoven, Chopin. I think Djokovic does the same. And flute helps with my breathing. You breathe into the diaphragm and it’s second nature to me. It helps get my heart rate down. So flute and music have been great.”