Novak Djokovic says dad's t-shirt is a joke

Novak Djokovic breezed past Gael Monfils, 7-6, 6-1, 6-2, to reach the U.S. Open semifinals where he will meet the winner of tonight's match between No. 2 Roger Federer and No. 5 Robin Soderling. As dominating as Djokovic was on the court, the fun-loving Serbian was even better in the interview room, especially on the subject of his father's famous t-shirt with a portrait of his son on the front.

Srdjan Djokovic is one of those passionate tennis parents whose emotion knows no bounds. Roger Federer once had to interrupt a match to tell the Djokovic clan to hold down the noise. So, yes, Srdjan Djokovic is loud and proud when it comes to supporting his son, the world's No. 3 ranked player.

As much as Novak appreciates the support, he made it clear that he doesn't necessarily approve of his dad's outerwear. Asked about the t-shirt, Novak said, "He's a proud father. What can I say? I don't know where he got this fancy shirt. He's my father. If he wants to wear this shirt, he can wear this shirt."

Asked if he might wear a matching t-shirt, Novak didn't hesitate. "I would never wear the shirt," he said to much laughter. "My father, I understand. But me? Never."

Djokovic acknowledged that he handled the windy conditions far better than Monfils. Early in the match, there was a point where Monfils attempted a wild shot in which he jumped up and tried to swat a return through his legs while facing the net. It failed miserably, but it brought to mind the shot Roger Federer hit between his legs while running away from the net and converted to give himself match point in the Open semifinals last year.

That was the only shot Federer had, and it worked, but Monfils could have done several other things. Djokovic just laughed when asked what he was thinking when Monfils attempted the impossible. "I thought, 'Please don't make it,'" Djokovic said. "I have been experiencing that too many times."

Djokovic lost the U.S. Open final to Federer in 2007 and was eliminated by the Swiss player in the semis the past two years. Federer has slipped to the No. 2 world ranking behind Rafel Nadal, but Djokovic says he's no less formidable than ever if they meet for a fourth straight year in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I think he's playing great," Djokovic said. "Because he lost in the quarters of the French and Wimbledon, some people think he's vulnerable. But I think he's actually playing really well. He just loves this surface; he loves this tournament. He has won so many times."

Five to be exact. But Djokovic isn't running from the challenge. He's won five of their 15 meetings. "Maybe I would like to face Federer," Djokovic said. "You know, look for some revenge."