'Shaven' Djokovic through to 4th round
Source: Agencies |
September 4, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NEVER one for early wake-up calls, Novak Djokovic shaved the night before so he could squeeze in a few more seconds of sleep before his morning match on Sunday at the US Open.
Little did he know the fashion police would be showing up early to Flushing Meadows, as well.
"Usually, I get used to being criticized from my mom for not being shaved fully, but thanks for reminding me of that," Djokovic told a reporter who commented about the noticeable stubble on his chin. "I will make sure next time I'm looking nice and shaved."
That, as it turned out, was about as rough as things got for the defending champion, who made it two straight matches without facing a break point and defeated No. 31 Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to move to the fourth round.
Djokovic drew the 11am starting time and cleared out of Arthur Ashe Stadium in 1 hour, 37 minutes, setting the stage for Andy Roddick, who was on next and defeated Fabio Fognini to extend his career at least one more match.
Djokovic and Roddick got caught up in a squabble here four years ago when Djokovic took umbrage to Roddick's comments about a number of injuries Djokovic was dealing with before they played in the quarterfinals. They smoothed things out long ago and Djokovic says he's enjoying Roddick's final run at Flushing Meadows as much as anyone.
"He was actually one of the few top players that was very nice to me when I started playing professionally," Djokovic said. "He has all my respect."
Djokovic said the early starting time forced him to change his routine and refocus his energy.
"I'm not always the morning person, to be honest," he said. "You try to go to bed early and try to wake up early and get your body moving obviously. I wanted to start very sharp from the first point, and I've done that."
The win put Djokovic in the round of 16 for the sixth straight year. He improved to 36-6 lifetime at Flushing Meadows and stayed well in the mix for his sixth career grand slam title.
Little did he know the fashion police would be showing up early to Flushing Meadows, as well.
"Usually, I get used to being criticized from my mom for not being shaved fully, but thanks for reminding me of that," Djokovic told a reporter who commented about the noticeable stubble on his chin. "I will make sure next time I'm looking nice and shaved."
That, as it turned out, was about as rough as things got for the defending champion, who made it two straight matches without facing a break point and defeated No. 31 Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to move to the fourth round.
Djokovic drew the 11am starting time and cleared out of Arthur Ashe Stadium in 1 hour, 37 minutes, setting the stage for Andy Roddick, who was on next and defeated Fabio Fognini to extend his career at least one more match.
Djokovic and Roddick got caught up in a squabble here four years ago when Djokovic took umbrage to Roddick's comments about a number of injuries Djokovic was dealing with before they played in the quarterfinals. They smoothed things out long ago and Djokovic says he's enjoying Roddick's final run at Flushing Meadows as much as anyone.
"He was actually one of the few top players that was very nice to me when I started playing professionally," Djokovic said. "He has all my respect."
Djokovic said the early starting time forced him to change his routine and refocus his energy.
"I'm not always the morning person, to be honest," he said. "You try to go to bed early and try to wake up early and get your body moving obviously. I wanted to start very sharp from the first point, and I've done that."
The win put Djokovic in the round of 16 for the sixth straight year. He improved to 36-6 lifetime at Flushing Meadows and stayed well in the mix for his sixth career grand slam title.
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