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How well did Novak Djokovic deal with all the fuss surrounding his expulsion from the US Open? In sporting terms, he answered this question in his first Grand Slam appearance since disqualification with an easy three-set win over Swede Mikael Ymer (22, ATP 80). And yet he still seems to feel the pressure on him. This is the only way to explain that the Serbian is distracted by a fan during the match.
Djokovic comfortably leads 6: 0, 6: 2, 3: 3 when television cameras catch his evil glances in the direction of the stands. The recipient is apparently a spectator who, wearing a cap and shirt, clearly identifies himself as a Federer fan. Because the Philippe-Chatrier court is sparsely packed, his boos can also be heard below in the square. The protective mask cannot hide his joy at the reaction of the visibly pissed off Djoker.
A little later, the fan receives even more attention from the world number 1: after winning the match, Djokovic gives him a provocative kiss on the way to the players’ bench. The slap is far from being a “French kiss”.
Djokovic: “A friend from my childhood”
Of course, Novak downplays the scene when asked about it after moving on to the second round. “This is a friend from my childhood,” says Djokovic sarcastically. “I sent him a kiss after winning the game. It was nice to see him again, ”said the Serbian after the match.
Good reaction or not: The incident is an indication of the mental strain that Djokovic is apparently feeling. In his younger years, he wouldn’t have been so easily influenced by boos from a fan. But the stakes are high for the 33-year-old in Paris: on the one hand, he wants to rehab for defection in New York, on the other hand, he can beat Rafael Nadal (19) and Roger Federer (20) at all times with an 18th major title. Comparison beyond the skin. (cmü)
