Novak Djokovic refuses to answer ONE question after beating Joao Sousa at US Open
NOVAK DJOKOVIC refused to answer a question about the difficult conditions in his US Open win over Joao Sousa as he admitted that his tennis career is slowly but surely coming to a close.
US Open: Djokovic beats Sousa to a place in quarter-final
The Serbian saw off his Portuguese opponent 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the quarter-finals - where he could face Roger Federer, who takes on John Millman.
Temperatures in New York rose over 30 degrees celsius for sixth-seeded Djokovic’s two-hour triumph with the heat and humidity causing him problems.
The 13-time Grand Slam champion frustrated Sousa with a lengthy bathroom break between the second and third sets but ultimately earned comfortable passage to the next stage at Flushing Meadows as he bids for a third US Open success.
Djokovic, 31, also battled a suspected chest issue as he took a medical timeout to consult his doctor before returning to court.
But asked afterwards about the difficulty of overcoming the weather, the Wimbledon winner instead opted to focus on just how much he’s enjoying being back to his best after overcoming injuries and acknowledged that he is coming into the final years of his career.
“Well thank you for asking me but I prefer not talking about how difficult it is,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“We are blessed to play the sport that we love, compete at it, and this is one of the biggest stages in tennis.
“I’m just trying to cherish the moment on the court. I’m not 21 anymore. That was 10 years ago.
I prefer not talking about how difficult it is.
“I still don’t feel old but at the same time there is a little biological clock that is not really working in your favour.
“When you’re 20 it’s not really the same but at the same time you’re trying to put in the hours with our team to get ready but sometimes you just have to survive.
“I want to thank everybody for coming in today, a hot day, labour day, thanks guys. Thank you, I love you.”
Djokovic has never lost at the quarter-final stage and protects a perfect 10-0 record.
Previewing a potential heavyweight showdown with Federer - who has won as many US Open titles in the Open Era as any other male player - Djokovic said: “Next to [Rafael] Nadal, [he is] my biggest rival I've had throughout my professional career.
“The matches I've played against him have shaped me into the player that I am today.”
Djokovic will face Federer full of confidence having downed the Swiss legend in the Cincinnati Masters final last month.
The pair have met six times at the US Open with each winning three apiece.