Novak Djokovic waited for his American opponent to pack his bags so the US Open crowd could give the 20-year-old an ovation
- Novak Djokovic beat Jenson Brooksby, a 20-year-old American, in a four-set battle at the US Open.
- Djokovic delayed his postmatch interview to let Brooksby get an ovation from the crowd.
- Djokovic joined the applause and praised Brooksby's game.
Jenson Brooksby earned Novak Djokovic's respect with a hard-fought four-set battle at the US Open on Monday.
Brooksby, a 20-year-old American ranked 99th in the world, won his first set over Djokovic, 6-1, putting the No. 1 men's tennis player's back against the wall.
As Brooksby packed his bags after the match, Djokovic waited off to the side, delaying his interview in front of an enthused New York crowd.
At one point Djokovic offered a grin, perhaps as a hint to Brooksby to move along. Still Djokovic waited, then joined the crowd in a huge ovation for Brooksby.
Djokovic praised Brooksby, saying he expected to see more of the first-year pro.
"We're going to see a lot of him in the future,'' Djokovic said, via ESPN. "I mean, he has the means. Now, obviously, a lot of things have to come together. But he has a bit of an unorthodox game. Does a lot with the feel. He's smart. He knows how to win points.''
Brooksby can learn a lot from a man who's now three matches from winning all four majors this year and passing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most majors of all time - including grace in victory.