Playing Novak Djokovic is “totally suffocating” according to French ATP star Alexandre Muller, who was on the wrong end of a one-sided contest between the two a year ago.
World No 70 Muller was the Serbian’s opening round opponent at the 2023 US Open, the tournament where the current world No 4 claimed his historic 24th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic started his campaign in pretty emphatic fashion against the Frenchman, dropping just five games in an easy 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
That is not the only time Muller has played one of the game’s biggest names at a Slam, having played Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in 2023 – a tournament the Spaniard also won.
Muller was beaten on that occasion but not as comprehensively, falling 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-3, and believes that what Djokovic does to his opponents is unique compared to anyone else.
“Facing Novak, the truth is that I have never had this feeling on a tennis court since,” said Muller, speaking to We Love Tennis.
