STOKE POGES, June 26, 2015
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal lit up The Boodles on a star-studded Friday at Stoke Park. The two tennis superstars enjoyed contrasting fortunes on court though, with Djokovic surprised 4-6, 3-6 by 18-year-old Alexander Zverev before Nadal marked his The Boodles debut with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Robin Haase.
Tommy Robredo and Jack Sock opened proceedings on the immaculate grass of the 1900-seater Centre Court, while the final match of a wonderful day for spectators featured two sets of brothers with the all-conquering Bryan Brothers taking on Zverev and his older brother Mischa (27) in a special match of high-quality doubles.
Novak Djokovic:
“I’m getting ready. I played two matches and I think that’s going to be enough to get myself ready for Wimbledon. Wimbledon is No.1 for me because it’s the most prestigious, most historic event we have. I play against Kohlschreiber in the first round there, which is one of the toughest first rounds, so I have to focus on that.”
Novak Djokovic
Alexander Zverev:
“Having a win over the World No.1 is always great. I didn’t expect to beat him but I’m happy I did. It’s really different to beating him here and beating him at a grand slam. It helps you and it gives you confidence because there aren’t many players who are better than him if there are any. I feel like I can play with anyone right now.
“We both had good points. I had a feeling that it was good for the crowd and we both tried to entertain them but we still played some really decent tennis.”
“I never played a grand slam main draw before so I’m just going to go match by match at Wimbledon. I’m just looking forward to Wimbledon and just seeing how it goes. I’m really excited, especially because it’s Wimbledon. I think I’m the only guy in the draw who is playing his first grand slam.”
Rafael Nadal:
“I played well. The last couple of tournaments I was playing well. I have good feelings on grass and I just try to be ready for Wimbledon. It’s been good so far on grass. In Stuttgart I won the title on grass for the first time in five years and that was very important for me. At Queen’s I had a good chance to win my match but I missed a few opportunities. He played a little better than me. On grass that sort of thing happens.
“This was a good practice match for me against Robin.The atmosphere is great here and, seriously, the Club is amazing. It’s my first time here and I hope it’s not going to be the last.”
Rafael Nadal (photo: Jordan Mansfield)
Today’s results:
Tommy Robredo d. Jack Sock 6-4 7-5
Alexander Zverev d. Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3
Rafael Nadal d. Robin Haase 6-4 6-2
Bryan/Bryan d. Zverev/Zverev 8-5 (Pro set)
