First this:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_y...slug=ys-nydnroddick090408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Novak Djokovic is known for his hilarious impersonations of other tennis stars, but the Serbian jokester is also developing a reputation for what some see as his acting when it comes to his own health.
Andy Roddick made the most anticipated quarterfinal of the tournament Thursday between himself and Djokovic the spiciest one as well by suggesting that Djokovic’s theatrics are as impressive as his groundstrokes.
When a reporter started to ask Roddick about Djokovic’s laundry list of ailments, starting with a right ankle injury, the eighth-seeded American interrupted by joking, “Isn’t it both of them?”
“And a back and a hip?” Roddick added, after crushing Fernando Gonzalez in the fourth round on Tuesday night. “And a cramp?”
Roddick couldn’t help himself and didn’t stop there. He interrupted another question about Djokovic by blurting out, “Bird flu.” And then when told that the third-seeded Djokovic has a long list of illnesses, Roddick cracked, “Anthrax. SARS. Common cough and cold.”
“If it’s there, it’s there,” Roddick clarified. “There’s just a lot. You know, he’s either quick to call a trainer or he’s the most courageous guy of all time. I think it’s up for you guys to decide.”
So much for tennis etiquette.
Djokovic, meanwhile, skipped his practice session Wednesday and opted for rest at his hotel, but his spokesperson said that Djokovic will wait until he steps onto the court to respond.
“Novak speaks on-court and has no comment on this today,” said Benito Perez-Barbadillo. “The only thing to say is that it will be a difficult match against a great player like Roddick. Novak will try his best as usual.”
Against Robredo, Djokovic called for a trainer to examine his injured right hip and right ankle. Robredo accused Djokovic of stalling during the 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory.
“If you’re not fit enough, then don’t play,” Robredo said. “But after every time he was asking for a trainer, he was running like hell and he was making the shot, but he does what he does a lot of times.”
“So did I trust him? No,” Robredo continued. “I think he took his time because he did it because he was a little bit more tired and that’s a part of his game.”
Then, after the match, Novak is asked about his "16 injuries" and he says Roddick implied that he is faking them and that is not done at all. He also says he really doesn't expect any support from the crowd. And leaves on a defiant note.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_y...slug=ys-nydnroddick090408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Novak Djokovic is known for his hilarious impersonations of other tennis stars, but the Serbian jokester is also developing a reputation for what some see as his acting when it comes to his own health.
Andy Roddick made the most anticipated quarterfinal of the tournament Thursday between himself and Djokovic the spiciest one as well by suggesting that Djokovic’s theatrics are as impressive as his groundstrokes.
When a reporter started to ask Roddick about Djokovic’s laundry list of ailments, starting with a right ankle injury, the eighth-seeded American interrupted by joking, “Isn’t it both of them?”
“And a back and a hip?” Roddick added, after crushing Fernando Gonzalez in the fourth round on Tuesday night. “And a cramp?”
Roddick couldn’t help himself and didn’t stop there. He interrupted another question about Djokovic by blurting out, “Bird flu.” And then when told that the third-seeded Djokovic has a long list of illnesses, Roddick cracked, “Anthrax. SARS. Common cough and cold.”
“If it’s there, it’s there,” Roddick clarified. “There’s just a lot. You know, he’s either quick to call a trainer or he’s the most courageous guy of all time. I think it’s up for you guys to decide.”
So much for tennis etiquette.
Djokovic, meanwhile, skipped his practice session Wednesday and opted for rest at his hotel, but his spokesperson said that Djokovic will wait until he steps onto the court to respond.
“Novak speaks on-court and has no comment on this today,” said Benito Perez-Barbadillo. “The only thing to say is that it will be a difficult match against a great player like Roddick. Novak will try his best as usual.”
Against Robredo, Djokovic called for a trainer to examine his injured right hip and right ankle. Robredo accused Djokovic of stalling during the 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory.
“If you’re not fit enough, then don’t play,” Robredo said. “But after every time he was asking for a trainer, he was running like hell and he was making the shot, but he does what he does a lot of times.”
“So did I trust him? No,” Robredo continued. “I think he took his time because he did it because he was a little bit more tired and that’s a part of his game.”
Then, after the match, Novak is asked about his "16 injuries" and he says Roddick implied that he is faking them and that is not done at all. He also says he really doesn't expect any support from the crowd. And leaves on a defiant note.
