Novak Djokovic was stunned in the third round of the US Open.
Novak Djokovic has been told that he should’ve stayed home and celebrated his gold medal win (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic has been told that he should have stayed in Serbia and spent his time “drinking like crazy” instead of competing at the US Open.
The world No. 2 suffered a shock defeat in the third round and later admitted that he had doubts about going to New York so soon after winning gold at the Olympics.
Frances Tiafoe – who faces Djokovic’s conqueror in round four – admitted that he would’ve stayed home and celebrated if he was in the Serb’s position.
Tiafoe outlasted Ben Shelton in an all-American battle to reach the last 16 at the US Open. After completing a five-set victory on Friday, he was likely expecting to face Djokovic in the next round.
The defending champion took on Alexei Popyrin in Friday’s night session after Tiafoe had already completed his match. But Djokovic was stunned by the Aussie, who won 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4.
The second seed later told Tennis Majors: “The Olympics were very emotionally draining, I was even thinking whether I should come to New York or not, but it’s a Slam. We move forward.” And Tiafoe agrees that he should have stayed home.
The world No. 20 booked his spot in the second week and got to sit back and relax while Djokovic and Popyrin faced off for the chance to meet him in the round of 16. Before the match, Tiafoe knew the Australian could pose a real threat to the second seed.
“He’s always been really talented. He’s starting to put it together,” he said of Popyrin. “He’s got Malisse with him and stuff like that, and Neville Godwin. He’s been working really hard. He’s a great guy, great player. Obviously he’s going to be tough. You don’t expect anything easy at this point.
“He just won a Masters Series a little bit ago. He’s going to play Novak tough. I don’t even know what the score is. They just went out there. It’s going to be tough. He’s going to serve big, big forehand, come to the net, do all those things. You have to be ready.
Addressing a potential showdown with Djokovic, the 26-year-old joked that the 24-time Grand Slam champion shouldn’t even be in New York after winning a long-awaited gold medal. “Nole, I don’t think I really need to stroke him, his ego. He’s Novak, like, he’s done everything in the game,” Tiafoe continued.
“I mean, it’s incredible to even be out here, to be honest with you. If I did what he did after a gold medal, I’m just staying in Serbia, chilling, drinking like crazy. That’s why he is who he is, right? He’s an unable guy too. Me and him crack jokes all the time. I really like that dude. Yeah, man, 37, want to come back out here? That’s insanity, but hey, man, to each his own.
After his third-round loss, Djokovic will be able to go back to Serbia and relax for a few weeks. But the world No. 2 has now added another tournament to his schedule so he’ll be back in practice mode very soon. Djokovic has reportedly been named in Serbia’s Davis Cup squad for their World Group I tie later this month.