Novak Djokovic and Gustavo Kuerten scores in a charity football match – Tennis News
World number one, Novak Djokovic, and three-time Roland Garros champion, Gustavo Kuerten, scored in a charity football match on Sunday. The 3-3 draw was played at Engenhao Stadium before a Brazilian league match in Rio De Janeiro.
The Serbian ace along with the former world number one, Kuerten, both displayed spectacular football skills in a charity soccer battle.
The match was organized by Djokovic’s compatriot, Dejan Petkovic, who played for Brazilian clubs in past decade. Other Brazilian legends including Zico, Romario and Bebeto accompanied the tennis stars.
Fluminense, the Brazilian league champions, played a match after that against Cruzeiro. They was underplayed against their rivals and suffered a 0-2 loss. However, the champions lifted the trophy after their match.
On Saturday, the two tennis stars played an exhibition match against each other at a public tennis court in the Rochina Shantytown.
“Guga is one of the most charismatic and loved players of this game and tonight he showed why,” said the jubilant Serb in an on-court interview after the match. “I hope you understand how much this means to me. I’ll come back to Brazil for sure. Obrigado,
obrigado a todos!”
“Another unforgettable moment in my life,” Kuerten reflected about support from his home crowd. “Thank you for your endless love.”
The local icon crushed the reigning world number one, Djokovic, with a 7-6(9), 7-5 victory in front of 10,000 fans in Maracanazinho Arena.
In the opening set, both stars played their best tennis. After exchanging breaks of serves, the set went to a tie-breaker. The Brazilian veteran outclassed Djokovic in it and eventually pulled out the opener with a 7-6(9) score line.
Kuerten maintained his intensity in the following set. He smoothly swiped his entire serves with conviction. The veteran got the breakthrough in the end and subsequently sealed the set by winning seven games to five.
Djokovic, who conquered the Barclays ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings earlier this month, enjoyed a successful season this year. He grabbed six year-to-date titles including the Australian Open and the Barclays ATP World Tour
Finals and is looking forward to carry his rhythm in the next season.
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