Djokovic and Fritz practice metres away on same court before US Open battle
Novak Djokovic had an unusual practice session ahead of his US Open quarter-final on Tuesday. The world No 2 found himself hitting just metres away from upcoming opponent Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic will be back in action at the US Open on Tuesday afternoon as he takes on home favourite Fritz. The pair are second up on Arthur Ashe Stadium court following another American in Coco Gauff. And they have both been getting ready for the match in unique circumstances.
With their quarter-final scheduled in the day session, the pair had minimal time to hit on the main stadium court before play started at 12pm local time. And it meant that the Serb had to combine his practice session with Fritz’s as they were spotted serving side-by-side.
“That is quite interesting actually,” Johanna Konta said on Sky Sports. “Instead of practising one after the other, when you would have access, that they decided to share the court.”
Jonathan Overend then confirmed that the world No 9 opted to continue his session after Djokovic finished. He added: “Fritz was still there after Djokovic left but they were certainly out there for a good while on the morning of the match.”
The Serb has never lost a match to Fritz, holding a 7-0 lifetime against the 25-year-old. But Djokovic is expecting a tough reception when he returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium for the main event later on Tuesday as he takes on a home player.
“I assume there’s going to be more support for Taylor Fritz in our next match,” he said after his fourth-round win. “It’s expected. We’re in America playing against home players. It’s something that I would be surprised if it’s otherwise, to be honest. So I know what I’m expecting, and I’m going to get ready for that mentally.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
Source: Read Full Article