“We Play For Them”: Novak Djokovic Welcomes Hosting Fans at Italian Open 2020

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has expressed his delight at the news that fans will be allowed to attend the semis and finals of the Italian Open 2020. The 17-time Grand Slam winner admitted that he misses spectators in the stadium. He talked about the importance of fans and said that it is better to have 1000 people than no people at all.

While the Serbian is overjoyed with the news, he isn’t sure if it is indeed true.

“I just received the information right now. I don’t know if it’s official or not,” said the 33-year-old.

“I hope that it’s true if we are going to have 1000 people, it’s better than having no people. We all miss fans and part of our professional careers in sport is playing in front of them and for them as well. So, I am really glad that it is going to happen. I mean if it’s official,” added the World No.1

It is evident that Djokovic firmly believes that players play for the fans. It is their motivation and encouragement that adds the extra charm in their performances.

‘Hope we stay at the Centre court’- Novak Djokovic

“Obviously, I am hoping that we stay at the Centre court. I also heard that they are considering to use Pietrangeli or NextGen courts for semi-finals and finals,” said a doubtful Djokovic.

“I hope that is not the case because, the quality of the clay and the quality of the court on the Centre court, in my opinion, is much better than the other court. Hopefully, we stay at the Centre.”

He clearly wants to stick with the Centre court at the semis and the finals. Also, he surely thinks that allowing fans will not just help him but will be beneficial to boost the morale of all the players.

‘We both struggled physically in the first set’- Djokovic on his match against Krajinovic

Djokovic had defeated fellow countryman Filip Krajinović in straight sets in the third round of the Italian Open 2020. “We both struggled physically in the first set, there were many long rallies,” said Djokovic in the post-match presentation.

“It was definitely one of the longest sets I’ve ever played. We went toe to toe,” said Djokovic, about the first set that had ended with a score of 7(9)-6(7).

Novak Djokovic is due to face German player Dominik Koepfer in the quarters of the tournament. After getting eliminated from the US Open 2020 in an unfortunate manner, the World No.1 will look to reassert his dominance by winning the Italian Open.

Also Read: Simona Halep reacts on Djokovic’s disqualification at US Open 2020