Novak Djokovic explains why he gave his box a hard time during Borna Gojo win – ‘A lot of fun words come out’

Shahida Jacobs
Novak Djokovic celebrations
Novak Djokovic (SRB) wins a tennis match

Novak Djokovic had a relatively stress-free fourth-round encounter against the big-hitting Borna Gojo at the US Open yet those in his player’s box on Arthur Ashe Stadium still received a tongue-lashing every now and then.

After spending nearly four hours on court during his match against Laslo Djere, Djokovic was in a hurry against the Croatian qualifier as he got the job done in two hours and 25 minutes, winning 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach his 57th Grand Slam quarter-final – only one behind Roger Federer’s all-time record.

Despite the seemingly easy match, the 23rd-time Grand Slam winner still gave his support team a mouthful on several occasions and he was asked about it during the on-court interview.

“They keep me sharp, I keep them sharp. I demand the most focus from my team and they do the same for me. In the heat of the moment, a lot of fun words come out,” he said.

“Coaching is allowed this year to some extent and obviously when I am on that side I try to communicate with them, which is not always the most efficient way and easiest way, but it helps.

“It helps when I lose the rhythm on the serve or whatever it is. I look at them and then and try to get some advice, some guidance and I get it I must say.”

As for facing Gojo for the first time in his career, Djokovic handled the Croatian’s “big weapons” pretty comfortably.

The world No 105 hit 40 winners, but it also came with 40 unforced errors whereas the second seed hit 26 winners with only 12 unforced errors.

“I knew that Borna had a big game, even though we hadn’t faced each other at the tour level,” Djokovic said.

“I was watching him play qualifying and also the last couple of rounds of the main draw and I saw that he has big weapons with his serve and forehand and that he moves pretty well for a big guy. One of the keys to the match was to neutralise his serve, try to reduce the number of aces and winners from that shot.”

Djokovic will face American Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final after the 10th seed defeated Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker 6-7 (7-2), 6-4, 6-4.

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