NEW YORK Roger Federer thought his main advantage over Novak Djokovic would be simple: experience. Djokovic has not won the U.S. Open, and he holds only one major title.
But entering today's semifinal meeting – a rematch of last year's U.S. Open final, won by Federer – second-seeded Federer figures to have overwhelming fan support because No.3 Djokovic turned the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd against him after his quarterfinal victory against Andy Roddick.
Djokovic drew boos and jeers late Thursday in his postmatch interview when he told the crowd: “Andy was saying that I have 16 injuries in the last match, so obviously I don't. That's not nice to say in front of this crowd.”
Roddick jokingly mocked Djokovic two days before the match, saying his ailments included everything from SARS to bird flu and, “He's either quick to call a trainer or the most courageous guy of all time.”
Last year, Djokovic endeared himself to the tough New York crowd with his impersonations of Roddick, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova.
“Someone who mimics other people should be able to recognize a joke when he hears it,” Roddick, who seemed flabbergasted by Djokovic's postmatch comments, said late Thursday. “I figure if you're going to joke and imitate other people and the whole deal, then you should take it. I'm sorry he took it that way.”
Djokovic was contrite and said he made a “mistake” by angering the crowd. But Djokovic made no apologies about his injuries and fatigue. Appearing fine against Roddick, Djokovic did not call any medical timeouts. During Djokovic's fourth-round match against , he complained of an upset stomach, a bum hip, a rolled ankle and exhaustion.
Djokovic will contend with more than his health against Federer. He is 2-6 against Federer and called him the “absolute favorite” to advance.
In the other semifinal, top-seeded Nadal will play No.6 Andy Murray. Nadal is 5-0 against Murray, and Murray has not won a set against Nadal since 2007. Nadal has the best hard-court record of the year, 41-7; Murray's is fifth-best, at 27-7.
Elsewhere
Twins
Mike and
Bob Bryan won their second U.S. Open men's doubles title and sixth Grand Slam championship, beating
Leander Paes and
Lukas Dlouhy 7-6 (5), 7-6 (10) Friday.
The men's semifinals at the U.S. Open will start an hour earlier than planned today because of Tropical Storm Hanna, the U.S. Tennis Association said. The men's semifinals will start at 11 a.m. The women's final is scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight.
Observer News Services
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