Top
Novak Djokovic

‘It was a physical battle’ – Novak Djokovic thrilled to come through brutal Jenson Brooksby contest


Novak Djokovic survived some early scares as he won a brilliant matchup with Jenson Brooksby at the US Open.

Brooksby has been one of the finds of the tournament, and he went toe-to-toe with the world number one from the off.

He got his reward too, with the 20-year-old taking the first set.

The match then became a brilliant contest with some of the finest rallies in recent memory. However, inevitably it was Djokovic who wrestled control.

As Brooksby tired, Djokovic gained strength before running out a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 winner.

“[The atmosphere was] electric, awesome,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“I enjoyed it. It gives both players energy and motivation to showcase.

“Brooksby has a bright future. I told him that at the net. He’s a great player

“I must say that it wasn’t a great start for me. Jenson was pumped he had a clear game plan, and was executing all the shots. I was on the back foot and he was reading the play.

“The momentum was changed midway second set. We played two long games. After that I started hitting more cleanly and through the court. I found my serves well.

On Brooksby, Djokovic added: “It was a physical battle with exhausting rallies. Credit to him.

“He played a perfect first set. I couldn’t do much. He disguises drop shots and slices so well. He’s talented, so crafty, a very intelligent player, no doubt about it.

Djokovic will now face Matteo Berrettini in the final, and it’s a player he has plenty of recent history with.

“Rematch from Wimbled final from a couple of months ago,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting. He loves the big stage.

“Matteo is already established in top ten. Big serve, big game overall. I will try to prepare and hope for the best.”

Read >> US Open BREAKING NEWS

Watch >> US Open LIVE SCORES

Catch up >> US Open ‘Second Service’

Enjoy >> US Open LIVE COMMENTARY

Order >> US Open SPECIAL MAGAZINE

Follow >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club


Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.