Novak Djokovic reacts to US Open win ahead of potential Roger Federer meeting
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has admitted his US Open win over Joao Sousa was harder than it looked ahead of a potential quarter-final meeting with Roger Federer.
US Open: Djokovic beats Sousa to a place in quarter-final
Djokovic needed exactly two hours to win 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 and reach his 11th US Open quarter-final.
He’s likely to meet Federer in the last eight with the Swiss star taking on John Millman in the fourth round.
But Djokovic can watch that match safe in the knowledge that his path into the next round is all secure.
Though the Serb believes the match against Sousa was harder than the scoreline perhaps suggests.
“[I’m] very happy to get this one done in straight sets,” Djokovic said. “It was much more difficult than the score indicated.
“Credit to Jaoo for fighting well with a lot of intensity on the court.
“Tough conditions especially for the first hour, hour 15. It’s really humid now, cooled down in the last 30 minutes but a tough one to play.”
Djokovic and Federer have faced each other on 46 occasions.
The Serb just about holds the upper hand 24-22 and won their last match at the recent Cincinnati Masters final.
That victory made Djokovic the first man ever to win all nine of the ATP Masters crowns.
But preparation for his clash with Federer wasn’t the first thing on his mind after beating Sousa.
When asked if he would be watching Federer's match, Djokovic said: "Well I’m going to first try and put the kids to sleep.
"Those are the priorities when you go back home, there is no tennis number one, it’s family number one.
"So I have to see how that goes and if I have time, obviously I’ll have a look, listen to your wonderful voice, Brad Gilbert courtside, and just enjoy the commentary."
Djokovic is hunting his third US Open title at Flushing Meadows after successes in 2011 and 2015.
An elbow injury forced the 31-year-old out of the 2017 tournament though Djokovic reached the final 12 months previously, beaten by Stan Wawrinka.