Novak Djokovic has made a legendary living taking out his opponent’s legs on the ATP Tour—20 Grand Slam titles worth, if you’re scoring at home.
But he doesn’t want their souls.
2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick was active on Twitter during Djokovic’s 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over American Jenson Brooksby in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night, and praised the world No.1 for what he called “turning a negative into a positive” over the course of his career.
“Novak’s fitness used to be a weakness,” he tweeted. “One of the best examples in sports history of turning a negative into a positive. He’s a beast.”
He also shared the following about Djokovic’s ability to wear down opponents...
Djokovic took the air out of Brooksby’s sails nicely as he rallied to defeat Brooksby to earn his 25th consecutive Grand Slam victory of 2021.
Roddick’s quote was picked up by ESPN’s Brad Gilbert and brought to the attention of Djokovic on court after the match.
The 34-year-old took some time to think about it, then reacted thoughtfully.
"Only the first part,” he said. “The second part, I don't take anybody's soul. Everyone has their soul, we're all beautiful souls, so I appreciate everyone... But I'll take your legs out, that's for sure."
Djokovic did plenty of that against Brooksby, who was bidding to become the lowest-ranked ATP player to ever take out a world No.1 at the US Open. But after the match, which featured plenty of impressive tennis from the Sacramento native, Djokovic had high praise for the American’s game.
“He disguises his drop shots and his slices very well,” Djokovic said. “He’s so talented, he’s very crafty from the back of the court and he’s a very intelligent player. No doubt about it and he’s only 20, there’s a lot of time ahead of him—America has a bright future in tennis, for sure.”
ESPN commentators John McEnroe and Brad Gilbert are also high on Brooksby.
“He’s got Top 10 written all over him in the next couple of years,” McEnroe said during the match.
Gilbert projected that Brooksby would be a Top 10 player for sure, and a Top 5 player, if he can add some pop to his serve. Djokovic is on the bandwagon as well.
“Brooksby is a very young, very talented player,” Djokovic said on court after the victory. “I told him at the net that a very bright future is ahead of him. Definitely he’s a great player.”
