Radu Albot, a seasoned tennis player, has faced off against two of the greatest names in the sport—Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. With a recent encounter against Djokovic in the first round of the US Open, Albot provides a unique perspective on the differences between playing these tennis legends.
Entering the main draw of the US Open after three grueling qualifying rounds, Albot was matched against Djokovic for the first time in his career. The Moldovan tennis star, who has previously faced Federer twice, openly shared his thoughts on the challenges posed by each player. “I’m aware that Novak is a tougher opponent than Federer, whom I’ve faced twice,” Albot told We Love Tennis ahead of his match against Djokovic.
Albot’s encounter with Djokovic came after the Serbian’s Olympic gold win for Serbia, adding another accolade to his already impressive list of achievements. Their clash at the Arthur Ashe Stadium was a testament to Djokovic’s dominance, as he secured a straight-sets victory (6-2, 6-2, 6-4).
Reflecting on his past matches against Federer, Albot noted that his approach was different. “When I was playing against Roger, I was going to the court only with the idea to win the match,” Albot said to ATP Tour. “I was not thinking, ‘Oh, I wish I take a game’, or, ‘I wish I take a set’… I was going just to win.” However, he acknowledged that facing Djokovic required a different mindset. “Novak is more complex. He has great physical [attributes], of course. He is moving great. He has great shots from both wings, forehand and backhand, and serve, and at the net, he’s good as well,” he added.
Despite predicting the difficulty of his match against Djokovic, Albot remained optimistic. He didn’t let the tough draw dampen his spirits and expressed a sense of pride in representing Moldova on such a prominent stage. “Of course, I’m not going to be crying and be like, ‘Oh, I’m unlucky’. I’m looking forward to this challenge,” Albot stated. He emphasized his readiness to give his best in front of a global audience, motivated by the support from his fans back home.
Albot also highlighted the unique challenge of playing Djokovic in a five-setter, recognizing that the length of the match could lead to many unpredictable moments. “Just on the court, especially in a five-setter, it’s a little bit different, because a lot of things can happen during the match. It’s a long match, and I just have to be prepared mentally and to make the correct adjustments during the match,” he explained.
While his US Open run was cut short by Djokovic, Albot’s experience against the world’s best players continues to enrich his game. As he looks forward to future tournaments, Albot’s positive outlook and determination to compete at the highest level remain undeterred.
