Novak Djokovic has been phenomenal at the US Open so far. The Serbian tennis legend defeated Taylor Fritz to earn a spot in the semifinal of a Grand Slam for the 48th time in his career. Novak has thus broken Roger Federer’s record of 47 semifinal appearances at Grand Slams.
Djokovic is currently leading the title race with 23 major titles to his name and eyeing his 24th at the Flushing Meadows. However, the last time Novak won the title in New York City, he celebrated his victory in a kingly fashion.
Djokovic was joined by Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, best known as the Spartan King Leonidas in the movie 300. Following his victory over Juan Martin Del Potro, Djokovic celebrated with Butler. In a video shared by the actor, the two can be seen holding the trophy while screaming the war cry “This is Sparta!”
This Is Sparta 2.0 😅
LOVE IT!
(VIA: Gerard Butler on IG) pic.twitter.com/dOF53O6GTB
— Novak India Fans (@NovakIndiaFans) September 10, 2018
It was Novak’s 14th Grand Slam title at the time. Djokovic defeated Del Potro 6-3 7-6 6-3 in straight sets to collect his third title at the Flushing Meadows.
However, it was not the first time Djokovic and Butler yelled the Spartan war cry together. That happened back in 2015 when Novak defeated Federer in the US Open final. Djokovic’s delivery of the dialog was perfect.
Throwback to when Novak Djokovic celebrated with actor Gerald Butler after conquering Federer and 20,000 of his supporters in the US Open 2015 final.pic.twitter.com/l4RfP8sqrK
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) September 6, 2023
Novak Djokovic will take on the rising American star Ben Shelton next. Shelton will not be an easy opponent to defeat, but Djokovic has experience on his side.
Novak Djokovic has won the US Open a few times
Djokovic is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in tennis all around the world. With 23 Grand Slams, Novak has written his name in the annals of history. He overtook his rival Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Slams when Djokovic won the French Open earlier this year. Djokovic is well on track to win his 4th US Open title, and 24th overall if he continues playing the way he has.
Novak has done well at the Flushing Meadows in the past. The first time he won the title was back in 2011, as Novak was scripting a resurgence in his career. The Serb defeated Nadal 6–2, 6–4, 6–7(3–7), 6–1 in the final, thereby avenging his loss to the Spaniard the year before. It was Djokovic’s first US Open title and fourth overall.
He replicated his success in New York City in 2015 when he defeated the Swiss ace, Roger Federer 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4. With his win over Federer, Novak cemented his status as one of the ‘Big 3’ of tennis.
Novak has a wonderful opportunity to make it all the way to the final this time. Fans are eagerly anticipating a rematch of the Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. But the final is still a ways away. Novak will face Shelton next, and Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev next.
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