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.

From there, Djokovic battled back and showed why he's chasing a Grand Slam. He ground Brooksby down with his defense and returns, showing off a superior fitness level. Djokovic won 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

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.