Fight Club! Andy Roddick Admits He And Novak Djokovic Nearly Traded Fists At The US Open [Video]
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In a video uncovered by Tennis.com, Andy Roddick admits that he and Novak Djokovic nearly got into a fight following their match at the 2008 US Open. Roddick revealed the incident during a segment on his nationally televised “Fox Sports 1 Live” show earlier this week.
Roddick begins talking about a confrontation with a player at the US Open that rhymes with “Schmovak Schmokavic” at the 1:45 mark.
Roddick lost to Djokovic at the US Open quarterfinals in 2008. Afterward the Serb made some choice remarks about Andy on court to the crowd.
“I’m really happy playing against Roddick on his court and his crowd and in his favorite city, is a huge effort,” Djokovic said told the crowd that night. “Andy was saying I had 16 injuries in the last match, and obviously I don’t. That is not nice to say I have 16 injuries and I am faking it.”
Djokovic’s words were in response to Roddick’s wisecrack comments he made earlier in the tournament about Novak being overly injury prone. “You know, he’s either quick to call a trainer or he’s the most courageous guy of all time. I think it’s up for you guys to decide,” Roddick said.
In the FS1 video, Roddick, known for being a hothead during his playing days, says he got “into it” with Novak after Djokovic “beat the pants” out of him. Before things could really escalate, Roddick then said Novak’s trainer was bigger than his so to avoid getting “railroaded from the side” he ultimately backed off.
In a tweet this afternoon, Roddick said things are good between he and Novak.
There is no feud…. Normal athlete emotional stuff that is instantly regrettable hahaha. @djokernole and I have been ok for a long time now
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 3, 2013
Djokovic, who is playing in Beijing this week, commented on the incident during the US Open last year. “We had that situation,” Djokovic said. “I think it was in 2008, US Open. We might have been through some misunderstandings and arguments. It was very emotional I think for both of us, playing against each other quarterfinals, and it’s a very important tournament.
“We have been in a very good relationship ever since. And even before that. It’s just that period, you know, that situation. It happens. You know, he was actually one of the few top players that was very nice to me when I started playing professionally. He has all my respect.”
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