We put Novak Djokovic on the spot and asked him to play pundit for us in the press conference.
With the top two seeds both crashing out of the women’s draw, the Serb was asked who he thinks will win the ladies’ title.
“I would love Serbian players to win, Ana (Ivanovic) and Jelena (Jankovic). But it’s a long way still, only the beginning of the tournament.
“(Maria) Sharapova is probably the favourite to win it because she has won this tournament in the past and played finals. I think she’s in a good form. Ana has been playing really, really well.
“Who knows? The experience of having in the past the title here can help mentally. Now that you see that the top two seeds are out, it can mentally give you that push that you need.”
The conversation then switched to the World Cup but Djokovic shied away from picking a clear favourite.
“It’s difficult to pick one,” said the Serb. “There are so many great teams. Unfortunately, Serbia is not there so I’m going to be supporting the neighboring countries – Bosnia and Croatia.
“I love football, I will be watching of course, as all the other tennis players, I guess. There are so many great teams. Spain, Brazil is the host and Germany is always tough.
“It’s difficult to say, and I’m not an expert in football so I better keep it with tennis.”
Murray’s mad for Marinko
Meanwhile, Andy Murray revealed his second-round opponent Marinko Matosevic, really does live up to his “Mad Dog” nickname but was reluctant to reveal some of the crazy things the Aussie pulls off in the locker room.
“From the time I have spent with him, I’d say (Mad Dog) is a good name for him,” said Murray, trying to keep a straight face. I couldn’t say (the craziest thing he’s done) to be honest in here in front of all you guys.
“But he’s an interesting character. He’s a good guy and good fun around the locker room, always makes everyone smile, makes everyone laugh.”
Paire’s a Petanque pro
Earlier in the day, Benoit Paire may have been disappointed following his loss to Roberto Bautista Agut but at least he believes he is good at Petanque, a French game involving throwing metalballs close to a wooden one.
Djokovic posted a photo on Twitter saying he played Petanque but Paire insists he would beat the world No2 in his national game.
“I think I can beat him with the French Petanque. He’s not an expert. I’m a professional, I have everything, the cloth, I have everything,” he said.
