Novak Djokovic Gearing Up for US Open in New York

Hundreds of fans flocked to Uniqlo’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown early Wednesday morning for a chance to meet Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic Gearing Up for US Open in New York
Professional tennis player, Novak Djokovic, hugs a fan as hundreds more lined up outside at Uniqlo's Manhattan Flagship store for the unavailing of the store's new line of tennis apparel on Aug. 22. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)
Kristen Meriwether
8/22/2012
Updated:
10/1/2015
<a><img class="size-large wp-image-1782977" title="Professional tennis player, Novak Djokovic, hugs a fan as hundreds more lined up outside at Uniqlo's Manhattan Flagship store for the unavailing of the store's new line of tennis apparel on Aug. 22. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)" src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/120822_Uniqlo+_Ben+C_6957.jpg" alt="Professional tennis player, Novak Djokovic, hugs a fan as hundreds more lined up outside at Uniqlo's Manhattan Flagship store for the unavailing of the store's new line of tennis apparel on Aug. 22. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)" width="590" height="442"/></a>
Professional tennis player, Novak Djokovic, hugs a fan as hundreds more lined up outside at Uniqlo's Manhattan Flagship store for the unavailing of the store's new line of tennis apparel on Aug. 22. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)

NEW YORK—Hundreds of fans flocked to Uniqlo’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown early Wednesday morning for a chance to meet Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic is currently ranked world No. 2, behind Switzerland’s Roger Federer (Djokovic was No. 1 until August).

The 25-year-old is in New York City for this year’s U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows, which begins Monday.

“I am feeling very excited about being a part of the Uniqlo family and coming into this beautiful store for the first time,” Djokovic told the press prior to meeting his fans. “I am looking forward to perform in this new collection in the U.S. Open, the biggest tournament in our sport at this time of year.”

Djokovic began sporting Uniqlo in May this year, after unexpectedly cutting ties with Italian designer Sergio Tacchini, whom he had signed a long-term deal with in November 2009.

Djokovic has signed a five-year deal with Uniqlo, for an undisclosed sum, and will wear the brand’s merchandise both on and off the court.

Djokovic won four major tournaments, including last year’s U.S. Open, wearing Sergio Tacchini sportswear. In three major tournaments—the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Olympics—since the switch to Uniqlo, Djokovic has not claimed victory.

The Japanese company is not known for its tennis wear, but designer Naoki Takizawa worked with Djokovic to develop products that will perform at the top level.

The new line features fabrics that keep the tennis star as dry as possible during the match. “This material absorbs the sweat very quickly, but also they don’t feel heavy,” Djokovic said. “I feel light and comfortable in my movements on the court, which is very important.”

The pockets of the pants are lined with a towel-like fabric, allowing Djokovic to dry his hands during the match.

Djokovic, who was announced as the No. 2 seed entering the U.S. Open, will be defending his title after beating Federer in a four hour, 10 minute battle last year. The tournament gets underway Aug. 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing.

More than 650,000 fans attended the tournament in 2011, which continues to be the highest attended annual sporting event in the world.

The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.