ATP Masters Rome: Lorenzo Sonego on Novak Djokovic - "A great person"
Lorenzo Sonego paid tribute to his conqueror Novak Djokovic following his very close elimination in Rome. Especially on a human level.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: May 17, 2021, 10:02 am
It was a hot dance that Lorenzo Sonego and Novak Djokovic delivered in the semifinals of the Foro Italico. Sonego, backed by a frenetic home crowd, gave the world number one a tough fight, but in the end had to admit defeat in three sets.
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A fight that the conqueror Djokovic recognized after reaching the final and gave the young Italian some nice words during the handshake. A gesture that cannot be taken for granted, as Lorenzo Sonego emphasized: "He's a great person, we talked again after the game and he made me different. It's always nice after a match like this against number one in the world getting a compliment. There's a lot of respect. "
Sonego very satisfied with his week
The week in Rome was supposed to be the most successful in Lorenzo Sonego's young career. The Italian had already played his way to an ATP 500 final in Vienna and won his second career title at the start of the clay court season in Cagliari, while the world number 33 defeated in Rome. but two top 10 players on their way to the final. "I am absolutely satisfied with what I have achieved. Playing in front of the audience again is everything for me. I like it, it's fun," said the 25-year-old consequently positively.
His expectations for the upcoming tournaments have changed very little due to the success in the Italian capital, as Sonego emphasized: "I don't feel any different than this week, I had the feeling that I was playing at this level for a while Now I will rest for a week, because I arrived here after the injury on my little finger and I was very exhausted, "said Sonego, who will be serving in Parma before the French Open. The Italian had reached the round of 16 in Roland Garros last year.