Novak Djokovic returned to the US Open after two years, brushing aside Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the first round. Speaking at a press conference after the win, Djokovic talked about how the Grand Slam in New York is entirely different from Wimbledon. The Serb said that the crowd and the atmosphere of the event were the main reasons why the US Open stands apart.
Djokovic’s match against Muller started late in the evening since it was the last fixture of the day in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. He, however, had no issues with this and was excited to play at the iconic arena after two years.
Novak Djokovic says US Open and Arthur Ashe Stadium are fun and loud
Novak Djokovic returned to Flushing Meadows two years after losing the 2021 final. He talked about the tournament in the presser, saying that the American Grand Slam is quite the opposite of the Wimbledon. The British event retains an exclusive feel while the US Open puts up a jolly picnic-like atmosphere. This difference in approach is evident in the revenue generation. Djokovic also said that every Majors has its own ‘charm’. For the US Open, it’s the energetic and festive vibe it carries.
“I love it. It’s great because every Grand Slam has its own charm in a way. Comparing to, for example, Wimbledon, it’s a complete contrast. In Wimbledon it’s different than here. Here is all about entertainment, fun, good energy, good vibes. If you can feed on that, you’ll have a lot of fun.”
Djokovic then talked about the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The World No.2 defeated Muller in just over 90 minutes in the central court. He touched upon the history of the arena, saying that the matches held there are the most exhilarating. The Serb attributed this to the fans in New York and the construction of the roof, which echoes the sounds the audience makes.
“It is the biggest stadium we have in tennis. This court has seen so much history and so many battles. Everyone knows in tennis that night sessions at Arthur Ashe definitely are the most exciting, fun, loud, energetic sessions you can have out there in the tennis world.
“It’s the size. It’s the echo because of the roof construction. It’s everything combined. Just people, New Yorkers, love their tennis. They don’t care if they stay up very late, post midnight, because they get excited.”
Seating 23,771 fans, the Arthur Ashe Stadium is the biggest tennis stadium by some distance. Djokovic was rightly stoked to return to the famous court after missing out last year.
Djokovic unbothered with late start to first US Open match since 2021
Djokovic’s first-round fixture was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time but started only around 8:30 p.m. The Serb knew this, but he said he was so excited to play in the Arthur Ashe Stadium that he would not have minded even a midnight match. He said that he had looked forward to playing night games in the biggest and loudest arena in tennis for years.
“Well, I knew it was going to be a late night for me, late start of the match. Nevertheless, I mean, I was excited to go out on the court. I didn’t care if I started after midnight because I was looking forward to this moment for few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session.”
Djokovic could not have asked for a better return to the US Open. He got a bagel over Muller in a 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 win. The No.2 seed said the first set was almost flawless and perfect. He said he was overjoyed to get back to the Arthur Ashe Stadium and it reflected in his performance. Pumped up, he will look to continue this momentum and go all the way.
