“They were really kind to me” - Novak Djokovic opens up about heartwarming MLB experience at Yankees-Mets game

MLB: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees - Source: Imagn
Novak Djokovic opens up about heartwarming MLB experience at the Yankees, Mets game - Source: Imagn

Before his 2025 US Open campaign, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic threw a ceremonial first pitch before the New York Yankees' home game against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 21. He also visited Citi Field to watch the Yankees-Mets game.

Ad

Following his Round of 16 victory against Jan-Lennard Struff on Sunday, Djokovic spoke about his experience at Yankee Stadium. The Serb was asked whether hitting the baseball is harder than winning a match at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.

"I don't know, man. They were really kind to me," Djokovic said. "They were pitching the slowest ball in the world, you know, so they were making me look good. So then I was connecting on each one of them, and it looked great for the TV. But obviously, in reality, it's something different. I've never had a live baseball experience before this year."
Ad

Djokovic also shared that he attended a Subway Series game between the Yankees and the Mets.

"I went to the Yankees and Mets game, and it was amazing to see and really appreciate the skill of these guys," Djokovic said.
Ad

Novak Djokovic reflects on his first-time experience of pitching

Novak Djokovic threw the ceremonial first pitch to Yankees catcher Austin Wells. One day later, at Flushing Meadows, he thanked the organization for having him.

“It was a great experience,” Djokovic said on the US Open Media Day. “I want to thank the Yankees organization for making it possible for me. It was my first baseball experience overall.
Ad
"First time visiting any baseball game. It was a packed house, almost 50,000 people. Obviously big rivalry. Probably biggest rivalry you have in the baseball, with Red Sox and Yankees.”

At Yankee Stadium, Djokovic got the opportunity to meet two-time AL MVP and Yankees captain Aaron Judge. The 24-time Grand Slam champion gifted Judge his racket, and, in exchange, got a baseball bat.

Ad
“So impressed with Aaron particularly and his size,” Djokovic said. “I mean, he's humongous. I mean, incredible.”

Novak Djokovic's ceremonial pitch was a short hop. He worked pitching on a flat ground but when he took the hill, it was something different. According to the tennis star, his first pitch "wasn't as embarrassing, I think, as some of the other guys I saw in the past!"

The Serb is now preparing for his quarter-final clash with Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.

How did Novak Djokovic meet Jelena Ristic? All about the most admired couples in tennis

Quick Links

Edited by Bhargav
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications