Andy Roddick highlights a Novak Djokovic quality he is ‘continually amazed’ by

Andy Roddick has revealed he is “continually amazed” by Novak Djokovic’s ability to “instantly pick up right from where he left off” after a break in his season.

The 2003 US Open champion declared the legendary Serbian “makes it look way easier than it actually is” to perform at a high level when returning to action.

Playing in his first tournament since losing last month’s epic Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic has showcased impressive form at this week’s Cincinnati Masters.

The world No 2 overcame Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening match, with the Spaniard forced to retire through injury after losing the first set.

The 36-year-old then crushed Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 in the last 16, before dismantling world No 9 Taylor Fritz 6-0, 6-4 in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Following Djokovic’s victory over Monfils – which took his record to an astonishing 19-0 against the Frenchman – Roddick lauded the 23-time major champion’s level in Cincinnati.

“Novak’s record against Gael Monfils can almost legally drink in this country,” the former world No 1 joked during a discussion on Tennis Channel Live.

“Okay, jokes aside, it was no fault of Monfils’. It was clinical from Novak, sharp from start to finish. I’m continually amazed at how Novak can stop and start his season, as we’ve seen in the last three, four years.

“He can instantly pick up right from where he left off. He makes it look way easier than it actually is. He struck the ball beautifully tonight.”

Former world No 6 Chanda Rubin was also full of praise for the Serbian’s display and his complete game.

“Yeah it’s tough when you have a match-up like that where you’re almost out of the match before you even start. And you look at the skillset of Novak Djokovic, his ability to play disciplined, controlled tennis, the speed, the movement around the court,” said the American.

“He can match up with Monfils in all those areas, but he’s got another gear to go to. And it’s just a tough match-up at the end of the day. Hopefully Monfils stays healthy because it’s been a joy to watch him play, watch him go to work. But this match-up is a tough one.”

Djokovic will face world No 17 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament on Saturday. He is looking to win a third Western & Southern Open title, following victories at the event in 2018 and 2020.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz reveals he gave Alexander Zverev advice on playing Daniil Medvedev