Erste Bank Open: Novak Djokovic tries his hand at pantomime after an opening win
Novak Djokovic showed strong nerves in his first appearance at the Erste Bank Open - and then he was in the mood for jokes again.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 27, 2020, 08:46 pm
By Michael Rothschädl from the Wiener Stadthalle
Novak Djokovic doesn't always have an easy time with the spectators. The Serb is generally not one of the most popular players, his permanent role as Goliath usually has the consequence that the mood big from the ranks serves his opponents to support. The Erste Bank Open in Vienna deviate from the rule in this matter, at least in part, during his opening duel with Filip Krajinovic, at least Djokovic could always look forward to some cheers from the 1000 spectators in the Wiener Stadthalle.
The Serb was correspondingly grateful after his narrow progress, again impressively demonstrating his German language skills - and earning appreciative applause from the stands. "I feel very comfortable here, thanks for the support," said Djokovic in the language of the host of the ATP 500 event, only then did he switch to business-as-usual in English.
Djokovic in a great mood
This cheerful atmosphere continued in the virtual press conference that followed, even when the technology prevented an orderly implementation again and again. The industry leader was able to emphasize at the beginning how difficult it was against Krajinovic, the long-time friend and companion, and how happy it would have been in the end that he could still win sentence one, but then the connection to the curious crowd of journalists was finally broken from.
For Djokovic no reason to hang your head. The Serb even made a game of it and promptly invited the Austrian media representative to play a pantomime game with him. "I've never done that before, but let's have a little fun," said the Serb, who was audible to everyone involved but couldn't understand the questions asked.
Already on Wednesday against Coric
"Is it a question about the match?" - the journalist said no. "About something general - the ranking?" Hacked Djokovic. Again the questioner had to say no. When, after repeated question-and-answer games, they couldn't agree on a green denominator, the world number one briefly elaborated on his relationship with Krajinovic, but then had to devote himself to more important appointments.
The next chance for a more meaningful conversation with the Serb is already tomorrow, Wednesday, when the industry leader meets Borna Coric in the second round. In any case, the mood in the run-up to this duel seems to be dazzling among the tournament favorites. And that there was still room for improvement in terms of play, Djokovic was able to do this unequivocally despite technical problems.