Novak Djokovic cemented his place as the best men’s tennis player in the world by defeating Roger Federer in four sets on Sunday night to win the U.S. Open championship, his 10th major title win. Immediately following his win, Djokovic went over to his box to celebrate with his friends, family, and… Gerard Butler?
Djokovic was seen by an ESPN camera yelling the famous 300 quote “This is Sparta!” with the star of the film immediately following his win. Later, the two recreated the scene again in the locker room and Djokovic’s wife Jelena put it on Twitter.
This is Spartaaaaaaa!!!!! #USOpenChampion #TeamDjokovic @DjokerNole @gerardbutler #10 #NoleFam pic.twitter.com/5XVyd6MA8d
— Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) September 14, 2015
Djokovic saved several break points against Federer in the fourth set that would have evened the match out and potentially sent it to a deciding fifth set, so maybe he needed to channel his inner King Leonidas to ensure victory.
When a reporter asked how Gerard Butler became part of his entourage, Djokovic revealed the two are actually close friends. Via the Daily Mirror:
“We have known each other for several years and we are good friends. 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. So actually, yeah, he’s a very cool guy.”
So, there you have it. When it comes to having a celebrity in your box at important major tennis matches, Gerard Butler > Drake.
