Novak Djokovic relishes ‘unique experience’ at Ryder Cup
In preparation for the 44th Ryder Cup, Novak Djokovic swapped in his tennis racket on Wednesday for a set of golf clubs. He participated in the All-Star Match.
Djokovic, the top-ranked player in the world who last month won the U.S. Open for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam victory, was competing with Kipp Popert, a golfer with disabilities who is rated No. 1 in the world, on Colin Montgomerie’s squad, which also included Gareth Bale of the soccer team.
On the first tee, in front of a huge stadium, Djokovic stated, “It’s such an honor, a fantastic opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime event. “We appreciate all of the supporters that came out and gave us a little bit of additional pressure on the first tee. It’s an exceptional experience.
Djokovic originally stepped out to address his ball with a tennis racket, then switched to a driver; all the while, there were hundreds of spectators in the grandstand, and many more lined the fairway.
He hit his ball down the first fairway after a few practice swings were met with screams of “oles,” puffing out his cheeks with relief and beating his heart.
Against Djokovic and Popert were Italian G4D golfer Tommaso Perrino and Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who recently won the Singapore Grand Prix in Formula One.
Djokovic’s “shot of the day” on the par-4 16th, where he managed to drive the green from a little advanced tee, earned great applause from the spectators helped them win 3-1.
Djokovic jokingly remarked, “This is sporting greatness,” as his ball came to rest on the green. “I was going to take a safe approach, but the crowd forced me to.” One of my finest photos ever was one that I made.
Even if there were a few poor shots, such as one botched effort to chop out of the rough, Djokovic was obviously pleased with the change of environment. He acknowledged, though, that competing on a crowded Centre Court was more intimidating than playing golf in front of a huge audience.
Since I’ve never played golf in front of this many people, Djokovic remarked, “I think I’ve played quite well considering my level.”
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