Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam
Novak Djokovic shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan on the US Open practice court ahead of his Flushing Meadows final against Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. The Serbian is favourite to lift the trophy for the fourth time in his career after already winning the Australian Open and French Open this year.
Djokovic has been in stellar form in New York and secured his place in the showpiece event after overcoming American ace Ben Shelton in the semi-finals. The 36-year-old was given a huge scare earlier in the tournament after losing the first two sets of his third round clash with compatriot Laslo Djere before overcoming the deficit to win the match. But he has won every other encounter in straight sets.
Djokovic took to the practice court to put the final touches in place ahead of his showdown with Medvedev. And he ended up engaged deep in conversation with a six-year-old fan.
After the youngster told the player his name was Ricky and said hello from a balcony above the court, Djokovic said: “Hello Ricky. You have the most beautiful smile Ricky.” The boy told Djokovic he had written a note to him on his mum’s phone, with the note from two years ago revealing that he wanted to see the Serbian at the US Open.
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And a delighted Djokovic called out: “Wow, two years ago, you wrote a note – you want to see me at the US Open. Here we go. We made it happen. Thank you buddy. I love you.” The interaction appeared to touch the hearts of those watching on, with cheering and clapping being heard in the background.
Djokovic has reached the US Open final nine times in the past but has lost six of those encounters. In 2021, the blockbuster star was defeated by Medvedev at the Arthur Ashe Stadium as he was denied a Calendar Grand Slam.
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And ahead of the rematch, Djokovic said: “These are kind of matches and occasions that I still thrive on, that still get me going, inspire me to wake up every day trying to work as hard as the young guys. Grand Slams are the ones that count the most in our sport. They are the ones that motivate me the most to be able to play my best tennis.
“I expect the toughest match of the tournament for me, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net. Daniil won against me in the 2021 final and he’s been probably one of the most consistent players here in the past few years.”
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