Heckler helps 'almost pain-free' Djokovic to US Open win

Novak Djokovic didn't want to talk about his improved left shoulder injury or the heckler whose comments helped the defending champion reach the US Open's last 16.

So it's unclear exactly what medical treatments for his injury or emotional inspiration from a critic helped the world number one defeat 111th-ranked American Denis Kudla 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic was treated throughout his second-round match for left shoulder pain but dispatched Kudla with no outward sign of trouble.

"It's almost pain-free. Has a little bit of pain, but I'm really pleased with the way it went," Djokovic said.

"Today the situation was much, much better than the last match, so we'll see tomorrow."
"I did a lot of things in the last few days to be able to play."
Djokovic was captured on video having a talk with a heckler during his pre-match practice session Friday afternoon, saying, "I'll come find you. I'll find you after. Trust me, I'll find you."
Asked about the confrontation he called a "little chat", Djokovic said he would locate the heckler, "To have a drink. I liked the guy. I'm going to buy him a drink."
"I'm not going to talk about it. I think he did me a favor. Even maybe he didn't want to do me a favor, he did me a favor, big favor."