Video: Novak Djokovic and Gerard Butler recreate Sparta at US Open
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won the US Open men’s singles title today at Flushing Meadows, defeating 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The Serbian ace took his 2nd US Open win, having first won the title in 2011 with a victory over Rafael Nadal.
This is Djokovic’s 10th Grand Slam title, and a special guest was in the audience to see him take victory, but it was not in Sparta (although there is a Sparta, NY, so they could go there next).
This is Spartaaaaaaa!!!!! #USOpenChampion #TeamDjokovic @DjokerNole @gerardbutler #10 #NoleFam pic.twitter.com/5XVyd6MA8d
— Jelena Djokovic (@JelenaRisticNDF) September 14, 2015
Gerard Butler, star of the film 300, met with Djokovic following his victory, and the ace’s wife Jelena was on hand to record the moment.
His competitor may not be a Persian king, but he certainly is one of the undisputed Kings of tennis. The respect between Djokovic and Federer is as legendary as the pair’s rivalry, and much like Butler’s army in the film, they have nothing but “respect and honour” for each other.
Following his victory, the World No. 1 said that he holds the Swiss Maestro in very high esteem, wishing to emulate the way he lives “on and off the court.” “I hope to be in that position,” he said.
Federer’s game is as strategic as any Spartan military tactic, and has stood him in good stead all through the tournament, with the Swiss reaching the finals without dropping a single set. The Swiss also won their last meeting at the finals of the Cincinnati Masters, which was also on a hard surface, and had looked poised for victory. So also had World No. 1 Serena Williams, who was ousted from the tournament by unseeded Roberta Vinci of Italy, who ended the US Open as runner-up.
Tonight, however, both Djokovic and Federer will likely dine at a champions’ dinner instead of Hell.