Djokovic finds new friend in ball boy

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, left, talks to a ball boy after inviting him to sit on his bench during a break during the first round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Portugal’s Joao Sousa at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Monday, May 26, 2014. AP

PARIS — Novak Djokovic breezed into the second round of the French Open on Monday and even had time for a chat and a drink with a ball boy during a rain delay.

The miserable conditions had little effect on Djokovic who crushed Portugal’s Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

During a brief rain hold-up, the Serb second seed sheltered under an umbrella with the unfazed lad for several minutes midway through the second set and the pair chatted and even shared a drink that Djokovic offered.

“We had a nice chat. He’s a tennis player, so I asked him how long he’s playing, and, you know, how he’s enjoying his time as a ball kid,” said the world number two.

“It was a nice, fun time, something unusual for the Grand Slams. But we waited for around 10 minutes in the pouring rain on the court, so I felt there’s something I should do and make a new friend,” added Djokovic with a smile.

“He accepted the offer to sit down, which I didn’t think he would do, but he did. So he’s very spontaneous little boy, and I hope I see him in my next match.

Djokovic is set to face Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in the second round.

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