“I’m Sorry if I Offended Anybody” – Novak Djokovic

Phenomenal tennis was put up by Novak Djokovic and Kevin Anderson in the late evening slot on the Brisbane court. Both men were playing high-quality tennis. It did not seem that Anderson was away from the tour for six months. He saved seven of eight break points and kept the action thrilling. 

The 75-minute long first set was intense towards its end. World Number two Djokovic happened to lose his temper at 3-2 in the tiebreak. There were a bunch of Serbian fans cheering in the midst of a rally.

Djokovic was annoyed since their cheers disturbed his play at a crucial moment. His frustration was completely understandable. He swept his racquet through the air with a furious face. He showed his rage in the direction of the crowd who called out during the point.

Novak Djokovic apologizes for his outburst

“There was a Serbian crowd, who were a little bit too excited. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m sorry if I offended anybody. It happened a couple of points in a row. I was 3-2 in the tiebreak I really didn’t need them interfering in the point,” Novak Djokovic apologized. 

Nevertheless, Djokovic was delighted by the electric ambiance which surrounded the Brisbane court. He and his team felt like playing in Serbia and expressed his gratitude for all their support.

“But I am really thankful for their support. I thought the atmosphere was Davis Cup like atmosphere, to be honest. I was really pleasantly surprised, very grateful to all the fans coming out and being patient until the end of the match. Especially the Serbian guys they showed great passion,” he added.

Read More – Novak Djokovic Yells at The Crowd While He Passes Kevin Anderson Test at ATP Cup 2020

“I am really pleased with the way I was able to turn it around” – Kevin Anderson

The two gentlemen played one of the best matches of the tournament so far. Neither of them was refusing to give up at any instance. The South African skyscraper Kevin Anderson played his first match since Wimbledon 2019. However, his relentless ball-striking and shot-making surprised Djokovic as well as everyone watching his game globally.

He delivered a masterclass performance after making a sluggish start in the match. He almost had the hand on the match but the fans in the house pushed Djokovic towards the finish line.

“Coming to the first match back and straight away playing Novak’s obviously a little bit tough,” Anderson said. “Definitely got off to a little bit of a nervous start but I am really pleased with the way I was able to turn it around and felt (like I) pretty much went toe-to-toe from midway through the first set through the rest of the match.”

Team Serbia won all their matches on Saturday and they will next take on Team France on Monday at ATP Cup 2020.