Former French Open champion Kuerten edges Djokovic in exhibition match in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO – Retired three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (9), 7-5 in an exhibition match on Saturday.

More than 10,000 people packed Maracanazinho Arena for the indoor match on clay.

Coming off the ATP Finals title, the top-ranked Djokovic entertained fans by dancing and putting on a big wig to imitate the hairstyle of the 36-year-old Kuerten, a former No. 1 in the world in the early 2000s.

Djokovic joined Kuerten for the inauguration of a public court in the Rocinha shantytown on Friday, and will play football before a Brazilian league match on Sunday along with Serbian countryman Dejan Petkovic, who starred for several Brazilian clubs in the last decade. Former Brazil stars Romario, Bebeto and Zico are expected to participate.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.