Djokovic: “Rooney is impressively mature”

Rooney completed an epic run in Paris, where he won five straight games against top 10 opponents, culminating in a dramatic upset over the legendary Nole in the tournament finals.

The 19-year-old Dane didn’t succumb to the Serb’s unbearable pressure in the final game and managed to hold at love, capitalizing on the break he scored in the previous game, with Djokovic idolizing him after their match.

“He stayed cool and mentally strong until the last point. It’s impressive for someone his age to show that maturity and concentration in a game this big. He had the week of his life. It’s impressive that he’s beaten five top 10 playerssaid Djokovic at the press conference after the final.

After winning the title in Paris, Rooney will break into the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time and, together with Carlos Alcarat, will represent the new generation in the top 10. Djokovic, who has faced both this season, shared his take on their game.

“They share similarities in terms of fitness and physical ability. I find them both very fit. You train very hard. They are committed to it. Both defend very well. Rune has better backhand, but Alkarath has better forehand. Both improve these hits. It’s not that their weak hits aren’t good. Roon has a very good forehand and Alkarath has a very good backhand.

They are complete players even though they are only 19 years old. It’s very impressive. Equally impressive are her energy on the pitch, her determination and her mental strengthSaid Nole.

Despite his loss and disappointment, Djokovic feels strong and ready for an ideal end to the season at the ATP Finals in Turin (November 13-20).

“Of course I’m disappointed with today’s defeat, but I came very close. Only a few points decided the winner. My level of play is high and I like my chances in Turin. Every game is final there. There are no easy games.

At this stage of my career, every tournament is important. Wherever I play, I strive to win. I feel very comfortable on the pitch. I think I play very, very good tennis.

We’ll see how it goes in Turin. I played very good tennis there last year. I reached the semifinals where I had a close match with defending champion Zverev. I know circumstances are different. The ball flies very fast because of the height. It’s a very quick dish. You must serve well. I will be there for training a few days before and hope to be at my best“.

source: tennis24