On eve of US Open, Novak Djokovic meets Aaron Judge, throws first pitch at Yankees game

NEW YORK—It’s surreal to think Novak Djokovic, the most decorated man in tennis, is still able to experience firsts after two decades on tour.

It turns out one of them was getting taken out to a ball game.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion made a star turn at a Yankees game on Thursday, making the first pitch as the New York team took on the Boston Red Sox for the first of four-game series at Yankee Stadium.

“It was a great experience,” Djokovic said to open his US Open Media Day press conference on Friday. “I want to thank the Yankees organization for making it possible for me. It was my first baseball experience overall. First time visiting any baseball game. It was a packed house, almost 50,000 people. Obviously big rivalry. Probably biggest rivalry you have in the baseball, with Red Sox and Yankees.”

Djokovic later got to visit the locker room and exchange an autographed racquet for a bat signed by seven-time MLB All-Star Aaron Judge.

“So impressed with Aaron particularly and his size,” Djokovic said with a smile. “I mean, he's humongous. I mean, incredible.”

Set to play his first tournament since Wimbledon, where he made the semifinals, Djokovic gave a solid rating to his pitch, and revealed the experience made him eager to learn all he can about the great American pastime.

“I was warming up with one of the guys for that pitch. It was in the level ground. Then once I got to go and, you know, throw the first pitch, I was on elevated ground, like a little hill,” he said of being on the mound. “I didn't throw that accurate, but it still wasn't as embarrassing I think as some of the other guys I saw in the past!

“I was very honored to be there. To be honest, I became a fan. You know, I didn't follow baseball that much, didn't know what to think of it, to be honest. But since yesterday, I really became a fan. I followed it as everyone was giving me, like, a little bit of details and insights on the game. Then, you know, once you really understand it and you follow it, then you really immerse in it. I really liked the experience.”

A four-time champion in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic is the No. 7 seed at this year’s US Open, and will play his first round against American Learner Tien.