Djokovic Meets Formula 1 Star George Russell

Novak Djokovic enjoyed a special treat Tuesday after winning his opening match at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The World No. 1 met Formula 1 star George Russell, who was in the stands watching his match.

Russell quickly asked the Serbian how he felt the clash against Ivan Gakhov went.

“It was good. It’s a solid start, but it could always be better,” Djokovic responded. “Perfection is, that level, you’re looking to get better, to improve.”

“What I find so difficult for you guys is especially when you play second or third or fourth, you never know timings,” Russell told Djokovic.

“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 said.

When in Monaco 🏎️@DjokerNole and @GeorgeRussell63 meet after Djokovic’s win 🙌@ROLEXMCMASTERS | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/DAhwgxJ7Lh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 11, 2023

The two-time Monte-Carlo champion asked Russell how he is doing.

“We’ve got Azerbaijan is the next one. We just came back from Melbourne,” Russell said.

“How long does it take for you to get used to the time change?” Djokovic asked.

“Melbourne’s killer. It’s probably taken a week to come back,” the Briton responded.

Russell explained that the next race was meant to be in China next week, but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’ve actually got a couple weeks off, Azerbaijan and then the season really kicks off,” Russell said.

“Then Monte-Carlo next after that?” Djokovic wondered.

“Miami then Monte-Carlo,” Russell said.

“They don’t really keep you in the continents right?” Djokovic added, cracking a laugh. “They kind of move you around the world.”

Djokovic will face an Italian in the third round in the Principality: Lorenzo Musetti or Luca Nardi.