BRAZIL: TENNIS - Novak Djokovic loses to former Brazilian tennis great Gustavo Kuerten in exhibition match

Record ID: 852051

  • Title: BRAZIL: TENNIS - Novak Djokovic loses to former Brazilian tennis great Gustavo Kuerten in exhibition match
  • Date: 18th November 2012
  • Summary: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (NOVEMBER 17, 2012) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SHOTS) EXTERIORS OF MARACANAZINHO ARENA WORLD'S NUMBER ONE TENNIS PLAYER NOVAK DJOKOVIC STEPPING INTO THE COURT GENERAL OF DJOKOVIC SERVING GENERAL OF FANS IN THE STANDS WAVING POSTERS WITH MESSAGES DEDICATED TO DJOKOVIC VARIOUS OF KUERTEN AND DJOKOVIC BATTLING IT OUT ON THE COURT GENERAL OF DJOKOVIC IMITATING SPANISH PLAYER RAFAEL NADAL FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF THE FANS GENERAL OF FANS IN THE STANDS VARIOUS OF DJOKOVIC AND KUERTEN EXCHANGING SHOTS
  • Embargoed: 3rd December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil
  • City:
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA8XSQDQSQ6Z528FN50P17L230P
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: The world's number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic, and former world number one Gustavo Kuerten, delighted thousands of spectators on Saturday (November 17) during an exhibition match, in Rio de Janeiro's Maracanazinho Arena.
    The two stars played a laid back game, in a crowded arena, complete of humorous moments and interactions with members of the audience.
    After a two sets, Kuerten came out victorious with a 7-6 (9), 7-5 game over Djokovic. Fortunately, the final result was the last thing to worry about on everyone's mind.
    One of the highlights of the afternoon came when Djokovic brought into the court a small child from the crowd to let him exchange a few shots with champion Kuerten.
    Four-year-old Enzo Flores grabbed Djokovic's racquet and like a professional bit the Brazilian tennis legend with an over-head volley that nailed him at the net.
    Enzo's mother, Margareth Flores, watching her son take centre stage, said a very emotional moment for the whole family took place and most of all for her son's dream to come true.
    "It was very gratifying, because it was a dream of his (Enzo's). It was a very beautiful moment, the way it happened was just magical," she said.
    With an age difference of eleven years between Djokovic and Kuerten, no one expected to witness a serious performance from either contender.
    Indeed, Djokovic made sure the crowd had a good time. He did some comic imitations of Spanish player Rafael Nadal and at one point he was teasing Kuerten by putting on a wig laughing at his hair style.
    The world's number one player said in a press conference on Friday (November 16) that Kuerten was one of his childhood idols.
    The Serb certainly showed some measure of respect, not pushing Kuerten too hard.
    Kuerten, who had to retire from competitive tennis prematurely due to chronic back problems, received a standing ovation from the crowd.
    The Brazilian showed some glimpses of the player who won three French Opens and dominated tennis in the late 90s, and in some occasions even surprised the world's current best player.
    The 36-year-old admitted that if Djokovic had come out to play, he would not have stood a chance against him. He gracefully thanked the fans for their unwavering support.
    "This support from people is contagious and it is what kept pushing me to go harder, and to keep me believing. Today, it made me forget about my hips. I just put them back into position and kept playing. I think the fan support has always been my x-factor, the support I get from people continues to help me raise my game and face any challenge on the court," Kuerten said.
    There was more to come after the game for the audience when Djokovic, known for his dancing skills, moved throughout the court surrounded by Brazilian samba dancers while he played a tambourine.
    The 25-year-old praised the hospitality he has received by the Brazilian people during his visit.
    "Brazilian people now are deep in my heart, so I will comeback, for sure," said Djokovic.
    On Sunday Djokovicl takes part on a celebrity football match, at Rio's Engenh� Stadium, in front of thousands of fans at Rio de Janeiro's club, Fluminense, the 2012 Brazilian football league champions.
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