NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic admitted he took inspiration from cult movie “300” and its Scottish star Gerard Butler, who was on hand to roar him to victory in the US Open final.
The world number one clinched a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Roger Federer on Sunday to claim a 10th career major.
As he celebrated with his family and team, he also sought out Butler, who was watching from the player’s box.
“We are good friends. So he happened to be in the city last couple of days, so I invited him to come,” said Djokovic.
“I actually sent him a photo and a message last night. I was watching the ‘300’ movie. When I went to my box, I looked at him. I said, ‘This is Sparta. It felt great.’
“That’s one of the most inspiring movies I watched. So actually, yeah, he’s a very cool guy.”
The movie, which recounts the classic Greek story of the Battle of Thermopylae, made a star out of the muscular Butler, who also happens to be a fan of fellow Scot Andy Murray, who beat Djokovic in the 2012 final in New York.
“I was not playing Murray. He thought it was appropriate to come to this match,” joked the Serb star.
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