Novak Djokovic: I didn't feel like playing too much after death of Serbian bishop

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was extremely sad after the death of Amfilohije Radovic, Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, a prominent figure within the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Radovic, who tested positive for the coronavirus in early-October, passed away at the age of 83 on Friday, the news was announced before Djokovic's Vienna quarterfinal against Lorenzo Sonego.

Djokovic, seeded at No. 1, knew the bishop personally and hours later he suffered the worst defeat of his career as world No. 42 Sonego claimed a shock 6-2 6-1 win over the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

"Yes, this is a very sad day,” Djokovic said of Radovic's death, per Tennis Majors. “I was privileged enough and honoured to have met him, to spend some time with him and to feel the beautiful energy he possessed. Although he is physically not with us anymore, I am sure that his spirit will be felt among us for a very long time.

“I think that we ought to remember him with a smile and to be grateful for everything that he has done, especially recently with the political turmoil in Montenegro. There was a lot at stake, particularly when it comes to the church; he was courageous in leading the way and he set an example in how to preserve and nurture our cultural heritage and traditions.”

Djokovic didn't feel like playing too much 

Sonego claimed two breaks in the first set and faced no break points to get off to a fast start and win the opener comfortably. 

The Italian continued his strong showing in the second set as this time he collected three breaks and lost no service games to complete a straight-set win. 

"Yes, to be honest I did not feel like playing too much,” Djokovic admitted. “The sad news did have an effect on me, but not the extent that I could not play. I have come to Vienna with a goal and I have fulfilled it. This was admittedly a very weird day, but it is what it is. I move on and I am turning a new page. I am going to spend some time with my family, I am coming back to Serbia, which I am looking forward to. I will have a good preparation for London in order to have a strong ending to the season.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3kONZMa