Novak Djokovic admits to Ryder Cup 'nerves' ahead of Gareth Bale showdown
Tennis GOAT Novak Djokovic admitted he was feeling the nerves before teeing off in front of thousands of golf fans at the Ryder Cup.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will play in an All-Star Match at the Marco Simone Golf Club along with Gareth Bale, Andrey Shevchenko and Carlo Sainz. Speaking on the putting green before the event, the Serbian superstar took out a tennis racket from his golf bag and said: “Normally I thrive on pressure but with this type of club! We are tennis players. Please keep your expectations low! I am nervous.
“I played much more golf before becoming a parent. The last seven or eight days, I have played five times. I have never had a week that is that intensive in golf. I had a couple of lessons as well in a local course back in Serbia, we have a 9-hole course and I was out with a local pro. I liked my golf before the lessons!”
Djokovic will play with WR4GD (world rankings for golfers with disabilities) world No.1 Kipp Poppert of Kent against Sainz and Italian Tommaso Perrino in the four-hole challenge on the Ryder Cup course.
Asked how he came to be involved in Rome, the US Open winner said: “My caddie Mark Madden is my business advisor. He lives in Wentworth. He grew up with Luke Donald. Luke and him go back a long way.
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“Luke asked me and I obviously accepted the invite. I was very curious to see the line-up. When I saw it was Gareth Bale and Andrey Shevchenko, who are scratch golfers, I was not sure about being here!
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But it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being on the Ryder Cup course and being to have my first experience on such a challenging and hilly course. I have a great partner - he is world No.1. We are playing best-ball. If I do slice, I am staying on the fairway.”
Djokovic, who speaks fluent Italian, added: “I will stay and watch the first part on Friday for sure. I will have to leave then but I can’t wait. 7am. Packed house. I really want to see that, I heard it is amazing. So I will - It is unique. I will be here.”
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