‘I’ll take your legs out, that’s for sure’ – Novak Djokovic fires warning at field
Novak Djokovic responded to the words of a former competitor about his ability and fitness in gruelling matches on-court.
The world number one recovered from a set down to oust American talent Jenson Brooksby in four sets and continue his march towards the Calendar Slam.
During the match former world number one Andy Roddick tweeted ominously in reference to Djokovic “first he takes your legs…then he takes your soul.”
First he takes your legs ……. Then he takes your soul
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 7, 2021
Djokovic was made aware of the comment immediately following his victory and addressed it in front of the Arthur Ashe crowd.
“Thanks Andy (Roddick), I take that as a compliment!” Djokovic responded. “[But] only the first part.
“The second part I don’t take anybody’s soul. Everyone has their soul, we’re all beautiful souls. So I appreciate everyone.
“But I’ll take your legs out that’s for sure.”
Brooksby did well to claim a set off the 20-time Slam champion, with Djokovic admitting as much about the battle.
“He just played a perfect first set. I could do nothing. I was still finding my footing on the court.
“I must say it wasn’t a great start. Jenson (Brooskby) was pumped. He had a clear game plan. He was executing his shots tremendously. I was on my back foot. He was reading the play well for a set and a half.
“After that, I started hitting more cleanly and through the court. Whenever I needed a serve I found my spot well. It was physical, a lot of exhausting rallies.”
The 6-1 opening set was the first such losing scoreline for Djokovic at the US Open since the final set of the 2013 final against Rafael Nadal.
The Serb will next face Wimbledon final opponent Matteo Berrettini, whom praised ahead of their quarter-final clash.
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