(AFP) – Sep 10, 2007

NEW YORK (AFP) — Russian tennis heart-throb Maria Sharapova and actor Robert De Niro added celebrity status and romantic gossip to the supporters' section for Serbia's Novak Djokovic in Sunday's US Open final.

But don't start making love-40 links just yet between the Russian beauty and 20-year-old Djokovic, who lost his first Grand Slam final appearance to Swiss world number one Roger Federer 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.

"Let's not go too much with Maria," Djokovic said. "It's just a friendship we have."

Djokovic, known for his joking impersonations of Sharapova and other tennis players, bumped into Sharapova during a Fashion Week event ongoing in New York at the same time as the year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament.

Djokovic, who has a girl friend, struck up a friendship with Sharapova this week and invited her to join his parents in their seating section.

"It was nice for her to come and support me. As well Robert," Djokovic said. "It's an amazing feeling to see such successful people in my box supporting me, playing with me I can say, living every emotional moment. It's great."

Asked what Sharapova thought of his impersonation, complete with exaggerated moves like smoothing hair, Djokovic joked, "She said she's going to kill me.

"Of course she accepted it in the right way. Of course she found it funny. Not offended."

Djokovic was among several players invited to De Niro's Japanese restaurant and met the movie star and his tennis-fan wife there

"He's a great person," Djokovic said. "I'm really happy they showed up and supported me."

Djokovic became a hit with New York crowds for his personality and his impressions were a YouTube favorite.

"I'm really glad for my success on and off the court," Djokovic said.

"I felt really flattered and emotional when I heard at the (award) ceremony when they told me I stole their hearts. Even when I didn't win the match that was very emotional... they like my character on and off the court."

But Federer sounded an alarm bell regarding the Serbian jokester's routines, denying he had seen Djokovic's "Federer" impersonation making the internet rounds.

"I know some guys weren't happy. I know some guys might think it's funny. He is walking a tightrope, for sure," Federer said. "If fans like it, it's good for tennis. It's good to have a character like him out there, no doubt."

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