Tennis: Novak Djokovic shares naked ice bath with opponent at US Open

Novak Djokovic has revealed he shared a naked ice bath with opponent Marton Fucsovics in the middle of their first-round match at the US Open.

The two-time champion battled his way through sweltering conditions at Flushing Meadows to muscle a tough 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-0 victory against the Hungarian.

The heat was so severe tournament officials allowed an unprecedented 10-minute break between the third and fourth sets, allowing the visibly struggling opponents a chance to recuperate.

Following the match Djokovic was asked at centre-court what transpired in the brief reprieve from Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Do you really want to know?” Djokovic said.

“We had two ice baths, we were naked in the ice baths and it was a quite wonderful feeling you know?

“Battling with a guy for two-and-half hours then you get into the locker room and you haven’t finished the match and you’re naked in the ice bath.

“It was quite a magnificent feeling I must say.”

It is the first time such precautions have been taken by tournament officials to ensure the safety of its players against the elements.

Djokovic confirmed both players were unable to communicate with their team members, but that didn’t stop the former champion from attempting to signal to his physio with his eyes.

“It was funny, my physio was a couple of metres away from me and we were kind of winking to each other and giving each other signs, what it is that I’m supposed to do or not do,” Djokovic joked.

“I want to thank the US Open for allowing us to have a break after the third set I think we both needed it.”

Returning for the fourth, Djokovic steam-rolled Fucsovics 6-0 to set up a second round clash against American Tennys Sandgren.