“Djokovic first grabs your legs and then grabs your soul”

Novak Djokovic sealed his pass to the US Open quarterfinals on Monday after coming back from a set against American Jenson Brooksby, one of the great revelations in the men's draw of the tournament. The fact that Brooksby won the first set made those present on the court Arthur Ashe at times rely on a great surprise, but the Serbian showed his experience to turn the game around.

One of those who most vibrated during the meeting was the former American tennis player Andy Roddick, who was enthusiastic about Brooksby during the game but also cautioned: “I promise you one thing. As the game progresses, Novak will make this the hardest physical experience this kid has ever seen. Hour and a half, balls to the body … We know Novak can handle it. “

However, the moment Djokovic managed to turn the game around, Roddick made this statement about the Serb that may well define the tactic he employs during his matches. “First it grabs your legs … And then it grabs your soul.” A phrase that Roddick himself explained: “An hour ago, we have seen him before …. Djokovic's form showed weakness. He is one of the best examples in the history of the sport of turning negative into positive. He is a beast.” .

Roddick's phrase reached the ears of Djokovic in the interview on the court after the game and the Serbian did not hesitate to thank the compliment and ironically about this statement. “Thanks Andy, I'll take it as a compliment. Only the first part is true. The second … I don't take anyone's soul. Everyone has their soul, we all have a precious soul and I appreciate them all. But yes I'll hold your legs, that's for sure! “joked the Serbian, who continues to scare his rivals as he advances to his 21st Grand Slam title.