New York (AFP) – Who said what at the US Open on Monday, the first day of the 2024 tournament at Flushing Meadows:
“The night sessions here are the best in the world and since the roof was added, it’s got even louder. There’s an incredible energy and with the new rule this year that the crowd can move around, there are lot of things happening.” — Novak Djokovic after claiming a record 78th win on the showpiece Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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“It’s not really comparable to anything else. You don’t really get this feeling, in my case, in life outside of tennis, because it’s like a real high. It’s like being on drugs a little bit, I guess.” — 2020 champion Dominic Thiem on missing the winning feeling when he retires from the sport in October.
“I really want to go more into sustainability. I already have one energy community with solar energy. That’s one very important topic for me.” — Thiem on his plans after he stops playing.
“Once the point starts, I don’t notice it. I guess with college tennis I’ve played…there’s a lot of situations where I’ve been in that’s a lot crazier than a couple of people walking with drinks back to their seat with their Honey Deuces. I’m sure some players will be annoyed with it this week and maybe stop playing or hold up as long as they can. Yeah, I don’t really care.” — Ben Shelton shrugging off the effect of fans moving during games.
“I’m between 9 and 11 hours. If I sleep under 8 hours, I’m a zombie. I’m not functional at all.” — Germany’s Alexander Zverev on his sleep routine, not helped by having to play at 11 a.m.
“I had this experience already, so this time when I had success in Olympic Games, to come to next tournament, I say, everything starts zero. You are not anymore Olympic champion. Just be humble and trying to work, fight every single match, because if you don’t fight, you have a big chance you lose.” — Olympic women’s singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen on re-setting for the US Open after her Paris triumph.
“Some people get the tattoos. I don’t know if I’m committed to a tattoo yet. So I was like, I’ll do the necklace.” — Coco Gauff on wearing a necklace in the design of the five Olympic rings rather than opting for permanent ink.
“I shouldn’t cry — I need to be strong.” — Diego Schwartzman after playing and losing the last US Open match of his career.
© 2024 AFP
