Novak Djokovic On-Court Interview | 2025 US Open Round 1

Here's Chris Eubanks with me. Well Novak, first night match on a Sunday start for the US Open. It's only fitting that you were the one to open us up tonight. Tell us how you felt about your level and this atmosphere in the Ash tonight. Well, good evening New York. Thank you for showing up tonight. It was awesome really to experience a Sunday night for the first time in my career. I've never started a tournament on Sunday. And I would definitely love to have more Sunday starts in the future. It was, as always, the best night session in the world. It's here in Arctur Ash, no doubt about it. The atmosphere is electric, amazing, amazing noise. You guys are great tennis fans. Thank you so much. Great to be back again in New York. It was quite a strange match to be honest. I think the first set was just over 20 minutes. The second set was an hour and 20 minutes. So, you know, quite an opposite set that we played in the first couple of sets. I think it was key for me to really hold my nerves in the second set. And really clinch the second set in the tiebreak. After that I started feeling a little bit better. I ended up matching in a good fashion. All in all there are positives to take. I know I can always do better. But a great way to start this year's campaign. This is your 19th U.S. Open. Your opponent today is 19 years old. 20th, 20th. 20th, my apologies. We've seen your game transition over the years from 2005 until now. It's not just about the recovery. But you've been able to adapt your game very well over the years. What are you most happy with at this stage of your career that you do maybe better than you did in 2005? Well, to be quite honest with you, I mean, I wish I had learned Tien's age. But that's not possible. Actually, he's double less my age. It's incredible. But, you know, I guess when you come to the late 30s, it's really about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters. The body is not, you know, recovering as fast as it used to. So, you know, I'm trying to dedicate as much time as I possibly can. And still kind of balance it with the mental freshness and motivation and sharpness on the court that is necessary in order to compete with the young guys. You know, I still have the flair. I still have the drive. You guys still give me energy to be here on the court. As I said, at times I wish I was younger. But, you know, I have only to be grateful for an amazing career I had here in New York and worldwide. So hopefully I can keep it going. You know, I still want to compete. And hopefully you guys are enjoying my tennis.