Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, waves to the crowd after defeating Sam Querrey, of the United States, during the third round of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in New York. AP
NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic used some of his spotlight as the world’s top tennis player to let another light shine.
Djokovic, who often stays during the U.S. Open at the home of friend Gordon Uehling, ended his post-match news conference Saturday by inviting Uehling’s 9-year-old daughter up to the lectern next to him.
“If you don’t mind, this is a first-time experience for my dear friend, Zia,” Djokovic told reporters after his straight-set victory over Sam Querrey. “She’s a musician. She’s a prodigy, a future star and this is a very valuable experience for her. So please do ask one question.”
“What instrument do you play?” a reporter asked. Guitar, she answered.
“Are you writing music and the lyrics?” She is.
“Can you sing a song for us?”
Then, as Djokovic sat with a smile on his face, little Zia belted out a tune she wrote and dedicated to the people of Africa, called “African Sun.”
When she finished, Djokovic wrapped her in a bear hug and a group of reporters gathered around the young singer.