Novak Djokovic jokes about doing more player impersonations at the US Open until he receives threats in the locker room

Novak Djokovic won his opening round match against Alexandre Muller.

Novak Djokovic jokes about doing more player impersonations at the US Open until he receives threats in the locker room

Novak Djokovic at 2023 US Open (Image via Sky Sports)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic kicked off his 2023 US Open campaign with a comfortable win over France’s Alexandre Muller. The 23-time Grand Slam winner took an hour and a half to wrap up the game in three sets, 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. Djokovic was pretty happy about starting the campaign on a high and it reflected in his post-match interview. 

While Djokovic said that he enjoys playing late-night games at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Serbian was also asked about his player impersonations which Djokovic did during his first practice session of the 2023 US Open. The 36-year-old impersonated the likes of Maria Sharapova, John McEnroe as well as Nick Kyrgios.

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As the crowd seemed to enjoy this act from Djokovic throughout, he was asked by Brad Gilbert if the Serbian would continue the impersonations in the matches going forward, Djokovic joked that he would continue until he gets a threat in the locker room. 

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“It’s a bit outdated, I have to work a bit on them. I haven’t done impersonations in quite a few years…I haven’t had threats in the locker room yet for what I have done a few days ago. So, I might do another practice session with some impersonations,” said Djokovic. “I am still trying to get you but it’s hard to impersonate you, Brad,” the Serbian further joked. 

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Novak Djokovic asks kids watching him to go to sleep

Novak Djokovic US Open 23
Novak Djokovic (Image via US Open)

Novak Djokovic also talked about playing so late in the night. The Serbian said that he knew, with ceremonies being held between the matches, he would have to start late. The Serbian said that he was excited to play before this crowd at Arthur Ashe and also thanked the fans for staying so late.

The 36-year-old then asked his younger fans to go to sleep. “Thanks for coming out. Thanks also to all the people who stayed (till) almost 1 AM. I appreciate also presence this late and these children should go to sleep but adults can stay,” said the 36-year-old. “Night sessions at Arthur Ashe are always something special,” he added. 

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Speaking of the match, Djokovic hardly had to break a sweat as he comfortably took the first set. While Muller did show some resistance in the second set, the Serbian eventually took it 6-2. In the end, it was a clean victory for Djokovic who will now face Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles in his second round.

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