Novak Djokovic spoke about the expectations that are on him over the next two weeks after a four set win in his opening round against Holger Rune.
The world number one had a tricky start to his US Open campaign as he overcame Holger Rune 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-1 to reach the second round.
Djokovic is looking to become the third player in history to win the calendar grand slam in New York over the next two weeks.
After a losing the second set and with the crowd fully behind the young Dane, Djokovic took control as he cruised past the qualifier in 2 hours and 16 minutes with Rune struggling with cramps.
Speaking in his post-match press conference Djokovic spoke about the obstacles that he has to face in the next six matches, “I guess as always you have tons of expectations and pressure from just the whole tennis
community, including myself,” the Serb said.
“Obviously I would like myself to win, to go far, to win the title and make the history. Without a doubt that’s something that inspires me. But I am focused on trying to be the best version of myself every day. I know it sounds like a cliché, but there is a great power in being present and working on mentally and emotionally being in the moment and trying to handle it in such way that would benefit you.
“Of course, you have to be flexible, open-minded, and rely also on your environment and the people that support you, that are there for you, so they can deflect also some of the things that are coming in off the court that you don’t need to think about, handle, and just focus on what matters
these few weeks.”
Djokovic’s mindset is something that a lot of people can learn from as he searches for more history at the US Open.
Another thing the Serb spoke about was the crowd in New York after Djokovic was booed for some of the match as well as the crowd cheering for Rune.
In his press conference Djokovic downplayed the atmosphere and says he wasn’t thinking about it, “It’s the largest stadium in sport. Definitely the loudest and the most entertaining stadium we have in our sport,” Djokovic claimed.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously you always wish to have crowd behind you, but it’s not always possible. That’s all I can say. I mean, I don’t know. I’ve been focusing on myself and what I need to do. I guess I have to just see how it feels on the court and try to keep it together. That’s all I can do.
“It was not ideal atmosphere for me to tell you that. But I’ve been in these particular atmospheres before, so I knew how to handle it.”
Djokovic will need to overcome this crowd on six more occasions if he wants to have a record-breaking 21st grand slam title in New York.
Next for the world number one will be Tallon Griekspoor after the Dutchman edged past Jan-Lennard Struff in five sets.
