(Video) Novak Djokovic shares an emotional embrace with two super fans after meeting them after 20 years at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic beats Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open.
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic shared an emotional embrace (via X)
Novak Djokovic faced more than just his opponent, Jiri Lehecka, in the fourth round at the Australian Open, as he had to contend with vocal spectators disrupting his service motion. However, he delivered a masterclass performance at the end and eventually met with two superfans who have supported him for 20 years.
In the third round, Djokovic had clashed with a fan, who he believed was drunk. But in his match against Lehecka, it was almost half of the Rod Laver crowd, who booed him from the start of the match. He did well to manage the situation by dominating his baseline to overwhelm his Czech Republic opponent, particularly in key moments.
He needed just 38 minutes to that in the first set, which he won 6-3, and in the second set, Lehecka increased the level of his game, but Djokovic did well to win 6-4. In the third set, the crowd tried to frustrate him in the match, which led to a loss of focus from Djokovic, but he bounced back to claim the victory 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).
After the two-hour, 39-minute win, Djokovic left the court without engaging in the competition’s traditional on-court interview. The Serbian was noticeably unhappy with the fan’s unfair treatment of him during the match. However, he did an interview with Eurosport, who made sure they left smiles on his face.
Towards the end of the interview, two superfans, who have been supporting Djokovic for 20 years were welcomed to the stage. He didn’t waste time recognizing them as they had a shirt which has a montage of them taking a picture with Serb when he was 17. At that time, Djokovic was yet to win his first tour-level title; now, he has 99.
Novak Djokovic says he’s glad he handled the pressure moments well during match against Jiri Lehecka
Novak Djokovic’s win against Jiri Lehecka means he has equaled Roger Federer’s record of reaching 15 men’s singles quarter-finals at the hardcourt major. The Serbian is now looking to become the first player since the Open Era to win 25 Grand Slams, and he hopes to achieve that at the 2025 Australian Open.
During the aforementioned interview, he said he felt some hiccups during the match as produced 21 unforced errors. He added that he was glad he handled the pressure perfectly.
A couple of hiccups here and there, a loose game [after] I broke his serve in the third. After that I had chances to break him, but every time I had an opportunity to break him, he would serve big. Just very powerful and precise. Obviously a little bit of a different opponent compared to my last-round opponent, but there were quite a few similarities, with a flat backhand and quite an aggressive style. I think I handled the pressure moments well and played some great points towards the end.
Novak Djokovic said
Next for Djokovic will be Carlos Alcaraz, who had earlier led Jack Draper 7-5, 6-1 before the British star retired due to an injury. Djokovic will be meeting the Spaniard for the eighth time in his career as he hopes to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Stay Updated!
Victor Okechukwu
(706 Articles Published)