"Just trying to compensate the lack of good looks"- Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini share a bit of banter ahead of Laver Cup
Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini shared a bit of banter in London on Wednesday, with the pair in the city gearing up for the Laver Cup, which begins on September 23.
Djokovic is part of a star-studded Team Europe, which also has Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Berrettini is also a part of the team as an alternate and is expected to replace Federer for the singles matches.
Their opponents Team World have the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock and Alex de Minaur, with Tommy Paul their alternate.
The tournament's official Twitter account posted a video of Djokovic and Berrettini courtside as their opponents were practicing at the O2 Arena.
"Hey guys I'm here with my friend Novak. Really nice arena. Team World is practicing so we do not like that. Focus on Team Europe," Berrettini said.
Djokovic joked that he was scouting their opponents with Berrettini, who he called the "best-looking guy on the team."
"We're doing some scouting here with Matteo, best looking guy on the team, setting a standard later today in his BOSS suit. We're just trying to compensate the lack of good looks with some good tennis," the Serb said.
“We’re doing some scouting…”
Team Europe’s @MattBerrettini and @DjokerNole have the intel (and an iconic photo preview).
#LaverCup | @TheO2 https://t.co/pivxUvmH59
"Once in a lifetime" - Novak Djokovic on partnering Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray
In another video posted by the Laver Cup, Novak Djokovic spoke about the upcoming event and stated that it was a "once in a lifetime experience" to be on the same team as his rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
"Great to be here, exciting, full of emotional moments on and off the court, particularly for Roger. It's exciting, it's great to be here, probably once in a lifetime to be in a team along with Rafa, Roger and Andy, three of my biggest rivals," Novak Djokovic said.
🛬🇬🇧👋
“It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” —@DjokerNole on being a part of Team Europe for #LaverCup 2022 https://t.co/DUDF41oPpA
Djokovic will be appearing at the Laver Cup for the second time, having previously featured in the 2018 edition of the tournament. Back then, the Serb to Kevin Anderson in the singles but won his doubles fixture with Roger Federer as his partner.
The Laver Cup will be the 21-time Major winner's first taste of tennis action since the Wimbledon Championships. He was forced to withdraw from the US Open last month as he was could not travel to the United States of America owing to his decision to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic will look to get some match practice in London ahead of the Tel Aviv Open next week, where he is competing in both the singles and the doubles.
Also Checkout:- Laver Cup 2022 Schedule