Novak Djokovic stormed into the quarterfinals of US Open 2021, with a four sets victory over the American, Jenson Brooksby in the fourth round encounter. The Serbian was completely outplayed in the first set, which he lost by a score-line of 6-1. However, he came back storming into the match, winning the next three sets to seal a spot in the last eight.
Novak Djokovic reflected on his win over Jenson Brooksby in the fourth round, and heaped praise on the youngster for his outstanding performance. The Serbian stated that he had never played the American in the past, which made it a tricky encounter.
“I have never played him and I didn’t see him play. I haven’t followed his career prior to the match, so I did not much about him. He is a young talented player, who is very crafty, he is got a really good all-around game,” said Djokovic.
“We had some really long rallies, long games and took a toll physically on both of us at some point. But I managed to find the right serves, and served efficiently when I needed to,” added the Serbian.
Novak Djokovic ready to face the ‘hottest hitter’ in the game in the last eight battle
Novak Djokovic continued to shower praise on Jenson Brooksby and stated that he showed great mental maturity on court, given that he is just 20-years-old.
“He showed mental maturity on the court. He stepped on the court and considering the circumstances in his first night session match against me, he was motivated and did his best,” Djokovic said of Brooksby.
Novak Djokovic now faces a familiar opponent in the quarterfinals of US Open 2021. The Serbian faces the Italian, Matteo Berretteni, an opponent whom he has beaten in the quarterfinals of French Open and the finals of Wimbledon a few months ago.
Novak Djokovic labelled Matteo Berrettini as the ‘hammer of tennis’ ahead of their quarterfinal clash. “Hammer of tennis alongside Juan Martin del Potro,” said Djokovic of Berrettini.
“Probably the hottest hitter of the serve and forehand. He is already a established player without a doubt. He played a semifinal here a couple of years ago, finals in Wimbledon which was a tough four-setter. If he serves well, which is his biggest weapon, he can be tough to beat on any court,” Djokovic added.
