In the electric atmosphere at US Open 2023, the brilliance of Novak Djokovic was once again on full show when he put on a clinical display against American no.1 Taylor Fritz with a resounding 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory, to secure his record 47th major semi-final spot. Yet, a few matches ago, he had engaged in a heated exchange with his own team.
It was a sight that caught everyone’s attention, the champion letting his emotions spill over. Djokovic’s interaction with his team’s box was not a pleasant site to behold. When asked about those intense conversations during the match, Novak Djokovic responded by saying, “They keep me sharp, I keep them sharp.”
Yet, it was during the post-match press interview following his victory over Taylor Fritz that is worth noting. The official US Open reporter, Richard Osborn, didn’t hold back. He probed Djokovic about his behavior towards his team, questioning why he demanded so much from them during the high-stakes Grand Slam matches.
Typical idiotic question. The guy is arguably the greatest athlete of all time. Clearly has never been in competition of a decent level in his life. https://t.co/x1KgvP0Ebq
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 6, 2023
Djokovic’s reply was stern and reflective of his commitment to the sport: “I care about the profession and take it very seriously,” he asserted, his words carrying the weight of his relentless pursuit of excellence. He further elaborated, “We expect the highest dedication and involvement from our team members as our team members and coaches expect from us.”
But Djokovic didn’t stop there; he continued, emphasizing the unity within his team. “We are a team that sticks together in good times and bad times,” he declared, underlining the bond that fuels their collective drive.
Nick Kyrgios, never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, took to social media to lash out at the reporter. In a post on ‘X,’ he called Osborn’s question “Typical idiotic.” Kyrgios went on to defend Djokovic, recognizing him as one of the greatest athletes of all time and the favorite to win any competition without a doubt.
Young gun Ben Shelton about his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic
In the highly anticipated clash of exuberance versus experience, Ben Shelton finds himself on the cusp of his first Grand Slam semi-final, and a showdown with none other than Novak Djokovic. The stage is set at the US Open 2023, and Shelton knows that facing the Serbian tennis legend will be no walk in the park.
That Ben Shelton celly tho 😅 pic.twitter.com/3muvcjeUOC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2023
Shelton, at just 20 years old, is living a dream he had nurtured since childhood. His young shoulders felt the enormity of the moment. Acknowledging the weight of Djokovic’s storied career, Shelton confessed, “Definitely a tough challenge. I think that whenever you play somebody for the first time someone who has been in this situation, and come out victorious…, that’s in the back of your head.”
It was clear that the magnitude of the occasion was not lost on the young contender. Yet, Shelton wasn’t without his own beliefs and strategy. He recognized that his unique playing style could potentially be his ace against Djokovic.
With confidence, he explained, “I also think that you know, it’s an advantage with my game style playing someone who’s never played me before. I think that I can bring some {new} things to the table.” Ben Shelton concluded by saying that he would hopefully bring on the court his “different” and “disruptive” game to unsettle Djokovic on Friday, as her gears for the most important match of his career.
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