Serbian Novak Djokovic defeated Russian Ivan Gakhov 7-6(5), 6-2 in the second round of the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters. F1 star George Russell visited to watch the match. After the game, a lively conversation took place between the duo. Both sportspersons had a detailed chat about the match. Later, Russell revealed that Roger Federer has been his favorite tennis player.

George Russell opened up on the ‘Swiss Maestro’

The former 20-time Grand Slam champion had a long association with Mercedes as a key player in several advertising campaigns. In 2008, Federer was associated with Mercedes as a global ambassador. The association lasted for 14 years. During their tenure, Mercedes painted the new AMG GT yellow to honor the achievements of Federer.

The F1 star who currently drives for Mercedes revealed Roger Federer to be his most favorite personality in tennis. The star racer met Federer when he watched the Barcelona Grand Prix. He said, “I really enjoy watching tennis. I always watch the big games. I think Roger was always the one who I followed the most. He came to Barcelona Grand Prix last year and he’s always given us so much time.”

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Later, Russell, who loves watching tennis, was at the Laver Cup to watch the farewell ceremony for Federer. During his conversation with Russell there, the retired tennis legend promised to watch every race without making any excuses!

Russell struck up a conversation with Djokovic

Post-match at Monte Carlo, Russell went onto the court to have a chat with Djokovic. The 25-year-old racer asked him about his experience during the match. The Serbian was happy with his confident start in the game and determined to ensure perfection throughout the tournament. Djokovic said, “It was good. It’s a solid start, but it could always be better. Perfection is, that level, you’re looking to get better, to improve.”

Russell then compared tennis to F1. He talked about the unusual timings that come across as challenges in tennis. He said, “What I find so difficult for you guys is especially when you play second or third or fourth, you never know the timings.”

Djokovic, being a star player, he explained to Russell the anxieties that players usually feel before the match. He said, “It’s challenging and today I waited maybe an hour and a half or two hours more than I expected. So, then you’re like, ‘Should I be warming up or cooling down’ and that makes you a bit anxious.”

Djokovic played his first match on clay this year. Last year, he was defeated by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monte Carlo’s early stages. However, in this year’s tournament, Djokovic is having a good time playing on clay court season so far.

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