Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is no stranger to overcoming hurdles on the path to victory. In fact, Djokovic enjoys it, as it brings out the best in him. He did it again at the Rolex Paris Masters recently, when he had to contend with a hostile Parisian crowd. As always, Djokovic rose to the occasion and put on a show.
Djokovic got off to a strong start, leading the points tally 3-0 before Tallon Griekspoor broke him. The Dutch player broke Novak again and claimed the opening set. Novak managed to save five break points in the second set, forcing the match to go into a deciding set.
The third set was an incredible display of skills from the Serb, but Griekspoor gave as good as he got. Even the crowd was animated and cheered loudly when Djokovic hit a double fault. Things took a drastic turn from there on, as Novak brought out his best and even urged the crowd to boo him some more.
Novak Djokovic being defiant to hostility is the best Novak. 💪🏻pic.twitter.com/99Ky6jbjDZ
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) November 2, 2023
Djokovic played like the true legend that he is. He broke to love and held his serve against a feisty Griekspoor. The world number one wrapped up the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, without dropping another point.
In true Novak Djokovic fashion, he took a dig at the crowd following his victory. “They’re doing me a favor. The more they cheer against me, the better for me. They wake something in me that they perhaps don’t want to see, winner,” he said (via Tennis365).
Novak Djokovic on hostile crowds: “In fact, they are doing me a favour. The more they cheer against me, the better for me. They wake something in me that they perhaps don’t want to see – a winner.”
End result:pic.twitter.com/5TFdUzJHu6
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) November 2, 2023
This is Novak’s first ATP tournament since winning the US Open in September. He created a record when he won his 24th Grand Slam title in front of a packed stadium at Flushing Meadows.
However, it was not an easy outing for Novak, and he looked a little rusty against Griekspoor. He also struggled with stomach problems in the lead-up to the tournament, but it did not stop him.
Novak Djokovic opened up about his stomach troubles
The Serbian star looked sluggish in the match against Tallon. It was not an enjoyable evening for Novak, and he even had to call a doctor on court after the first set.
Since snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat, Djokovic opened up about his stomach bug. He confessed that he had spent more time on the toilet seat than on the court in the last few days.
“More time on the toilet seat than on the court!” 🚽
Novak Djokovic says he has struggled with stomach issues at the #RolexParisMasters 🤢 pic.twitter.com/DSuj3yEYUQ
— Eurosport (@eurosport) November 3, 2023
Novak Djokovic will hope to continue on this path as he takes on Holger Rune in the quarterfinals next. This is the perfect opportunity to avenge last year’s final loss to the youngster at the same event.