An amusing aspect of the U.S. Open is the access that American Express-sponsored earpieces allow ESPN commentators to celebrities and players' entourages alike. From Jamie Foxx to Jelena Ristic, the likes of Chris Fowler and John McEnroe have sought answers from these onlookers—listening to ESPN commentary via radio—midmatch at the season's final Slam.

Case in point: Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal victory against Feliciano Lopez, a four-set affair that saw the Djoker not cracking quips but rather furious on one particular changeover. He barked toward his player's box in his native tongue, and McEnroe wondered aloud whether the world No. 1's wife, Ristic, might translate Djokovic's words for the world to hear.

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Ristic declined emphatically, but with a big smile. The thing is, she didn't have a microphone in any case. And it was probably going to take a lot of words to explain what her other half had just announced in full hearing of those right at court level in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

For Djokovic's semifinal encounter with defending champion Marin Cilic and a potential showdown in the final with either Roger Federer or Stan Wawrinka, perhaps ESPN should hire an interpreter.

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