Novak Djokovic names ATP player as 'similar' to him

Novak Djokovic names ATP player as 'similar’ to him

Novak Djokovic says Holger Rooney sees him as more 'similar’ after suffering a tough test against the Dane in Paris.

The pair met this year in the quarter-finals – a rematch of last year’s final won by Rooney – and Djokovic came from behind to overcome a second-set tiebreak 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4.

Although Djokovic is renowned for his mental toughness, among other qualities, he says he recognized a similar quality in Rooney, who survived a match point in the second set to keep the title alive.

This is something that Djokovic is very appreciative of.

„It was a very similar match to last year’s final, it was any body’s game in every set,” Djokovic said.

„I played a bad tie-break in the second set, probably the worst this year. But credit to him again for playing mentally tough and solid.

„We have similar games. Move well, defend well and defend all-round players.

Novak Djokovic in celebration of Jude Bellingham

Although Djokovic is no stranger to crowds cheering him on, he didn’t shy away from the Parisian crowd during contention, and he 'reacted’ against his usual instincts.

It culminated in a celebration he borrowed from England and Real Madrid soccer star Jude Bellingham, and Djokovic said the whole incident gave him the 'energy’ he needed to win the match.

Djokovic 🤝 Bellingham@DjokerNole @Bellingham Jude pic.twitter.com/bZIqIYjTl6

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 3, 2023

„Sometimes you have to stay calm and focus on what to do next,” Djokovic said when asked about the boos from the crowd. „It’s actually the best thing you can do most of the time.

„But sometimes you react, and you feed off that energy.”

Also Read: Novak Djokovic breaks Rafael Nadal’s record with Paris win

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