US Open: Ultra consistent Djokovic, a familiar foe for Federer
By ANITuesday, September 7, 2010
NEW YORK - Should Swiss tennis great Roger Federer survive the quarter final threat posed by Swede Robin Soderling, he would, in all likelihood, meet up with either another familiar foe in Novak Djokovic or the talented and unpredictable Frenchman Gael Monfils in the semi-finals.
The ultra-consistent Serb Djokovic has now reached the final eight at 13 of the past 15 majors and says he’s couldn’t be happier with where he’s at.
“It’s a very encouraging fact at this stage of the tournament that I’m raising my game and feeling more comfortable on the court,” The Sun quoted Djokovic, as saying.
Djokovic, though, remains ever wary of Monfils, his generational rival who has been promising big things for several years now without ever delivering at the slams.
Former world No.1 Jim Courier challenged Monfils to finally stand up and be counted after the 24-year-old took out countryman Richard Gasquet 6-4 7-5 7-5.
“This guy is the best pure athlete tennis has ever seen,” Courier said of Monfils.
“Monfils, if you look at the top 40, he’s the guy that’s under-achieved in his career. Two career titles to date at 24 years of age and he’s been in the top 20 for the last three years.
Djokovic said: “If he starts playing well, he can beat anyone because he’s so fast and so athletic and strong that he can get a lot of balls back.” (ANI)
