It wasn’t quite as bloody as the legendary battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., but Novak Djokovic’s U.S. Open final triumph over Roger Federer was imbued with a touch of Spartan spirit.
Djokovic had invited Scottish actor Gerard Butler, who played Spartan King Leonidas in the movie “300,” to watch Sunday’s clash between the world’s top two tennis players at Flushing Meadows from the Serbian’s box, which is reserved for family and friends.
After winning his third major of the year and the 10th of his career, Djokovic ran to his court-side area at Arthur Ashe Stadium to celebrate with his wife Jelena, coach Boris Becker and Butler.
“We have known each other for several years and we are good friends,” said Djokovic of the actor. “He happened to be in the city over the last couple of days, so I invited him to come along. It was very nice of him to be here and show me support.
“Funnily enough, I actually sent him a photo and a message last night that I was watching his movie, ‘300.’
“I went to my box and embraced all my family and team and when I looked at him I said: ‘This is Sparta!’ It felt great. That’s one of the most inspiring movies I’ve ever watched.”
The 2007 film is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel and tells the story of how a group of 300 Spartans under King Leonidas hold out against the advancing Persian masses led by Xerxes in a fictionalized retelling of events in 480 B.C.
Much like Leonidas and his Spartans, Djokovic was vastly outnumbered by a partisan crowd supporting world No. 2 Federer. However it was the Serb who emerged victorious, winning 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4.
As well as that Spartan spirit, top-ranked Djokovic suggested marriage and fatherhood had helped given him a fresh perspective on life and tennis.
He is well-known for ripping off his shirt after big victories and showing off his chiseled physique in a manner that any Spartan would approve of, but this time showed the restraint that has come in recent years.
“I’m a different player, a different person today than I was 2011,” said Djokovic referring to when he won his first title in New York. That year he clinched three grand slam titles, as he has in 2015 — as well as reaching the French Open final.
“As a father and a husband, you know, experiencing different variety of things in my life, it’s a completely different approach to tennis today,” the 28-year-old added.
“I feel more fulfilled. I feel more complete as a player today than I was in 2011. Physically stronger, mentally more experienced, and tougher, as well. Trying to use the experience from before into every match that I play, and especially the big ones like today.”
Asked whether Butler — born in Paisley — should really be supporting fellow Scot Andy Murray, Djokovic quipped “He is, but I was not playing Murray! He thought it was appropriate to come to this match.”
