The 17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic stormed into the second round of the French Open 2020. Djokovic defeated Mikael Ymer 6-0, 6-2, 6-3, and wrapped up the first set in just 20 minutes. The 2016 Roland Garros champion is aiming to become the first man in the Open Era to win each Grand Slam multiple times.

During the post-match conference, Italian journalist, Ubaldo Scanagatta questioned Djokovic on the reason behind giving long answers. Scanagatta wanted to know whether Djokovic gave long answers because he respected the journalists or was it simply so that the tennis star would have fewer questions to answer at the end.

The World No. 1 took the question lightheartedly and told Ubaldo that he was one of his favorite journalists. Djokovic talked about keeping the answers short if they wanted them to be short.

“I don’t know how to comprehend what you just asked me, because I don’t know if you’re satisfied or not satisfied with my answers. If you want me to keep them short, I will keep them short. You tell me, Ubi. You know you’re one of my favorites. So tell me, what do you want?” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic pulls journalist’s leg

Scanagatta replied by saying that the Serb could give brief answers when it wasn’t necessary to give a long explanation. However, he admitted that Djokovic’s long answers gave the journalists more options to ask more questions.

In response to this, Djokovic pulled Scanagatta’s leg and said he wasn’t one of Scanagatta’s favorites. The Serbian joked about the two familiar faces in Scanagatta’s background that didn’t include him. The World No. 1 was hinting at Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He said, “Well, you know, as I told you, you are one of my favorites, but I see that I am not one of your favorites. In your background I can see two familiar faces that definitely is not me there (smiling).”

The Serbian improved his win-loss record to 32-1 this year. He revealed that he was physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the tournament.