15 Years After New York Humiliation, Novak Djokovic Receives the US Open Trophy From America’s Very Own Champion

The current US Open champion, Novak Djokovic, is ready to change history and start a new chapter with every stride he takes on the court. At the age of 36, the Serbian tennis star is at the top of his career. And after his victory against Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic extracted a symbolic revenge from an old rival.

After winning his fourth US Open championship, tennis enthusiasts were taken aback when Djokovic accepted his US Open trophy from America’s own champion. It was none other than his American rival, Andy Roddick. Roddick was once again seen on the tennis court with his old foe, but this time in a different role. Let’s look at how, with time, a lot of things have turned around in favor of the Serb.

Novak Djokovic receives his 24th title from his old foe

After playing a lot of matches together and around 10 years after his retirement, the 2003 US Open champion was back at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Roddick, America’s very own champion, presented the 24th Grand Slam title to the 36-year-old tennis legend.

Djokovic had previously been booed by the New York crowd when he played and won against Roddick in a bitterly contested quarterfinal at the 2008 US Open. Following the match, Djokovic and Roddick nearly came to blows in the locker room as well.

However, things have changed since then. Today, Roddick, one of tennis’ most trusted pundits, is almost always supportive of Djokovic. But there was a time when the equation between the two was as frosty as it could get.

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What happened between Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick at the 2008 US Open?

Ahead of Djokovic and Roddick’s quarterfinal at the 2008 US Open, the American started a war of words with the Serbian. At a press conference, Roddick took cynicism to the next level as he insinuated that Djokovic was faking injury throughout the tournament.

Djokovic hit back following his win over Roddick, and as a result, got ferociously booed by the New York crowd. Later, in the locker room, Roddick almost made things physical, but stopped at the last minute after seeing Djokovic’s trainer. Following the controversy, Djokovic came out with an apology for the part he played in the incident. Djokovic has grown out of humiliation on the tennis court and has become a better athlete with time.

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