Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a mouthwatering semi-final showdown at the US Open on Friday. The 38-year-old has reached the semis of all four Majors this season, but he’s yet to make it to a Grand Slam final in 2025, and he knows it will be a tough task to get past Alcaraz.
But he will be able to count on the support of tennis legend Monica Seles, who was seen watching Djokovic on the practice court hours before his semi-final match, and revealed that she drove eight hours to cheer on the world No. 7.
Earlier this summer, Djokovic fuelled rumours that nine-time Major winner Seles could become his new coach, suggesting she was one of the only people he could see himself working with.
While nothing has been made official since then, the former world No. 1 arrived in Flushing Meadows on Friday to support Djokovic and addressed speculation that she could join his team.
“I came here to support Novak in his match against Carlos Alcaraz. I know he needs all the energy possible and I will do my best to help him from the stands,” Seles told SportKlub while watching Djokovic warm up with retired ATP pro Ryan Harrison.
Seles might be in town to watch Djokovic, but she won’t be seen in his box. She added: “I don’t want him to change anything.
“I’m very superstitious. I just came to watch his match. I drove eight hours to support him. I’ll be here, how to say ‘under the radar’. As long as he wins.”
As for a potential coaching partnership, Seles said: “We won’t talk about that now. The focus is only on the semi-final so as not to waste energy. All this other stuff is not important.”
Djokovic enlisted Harrison as a hitting partner earlier this week. The former world No. 40 is currently working as a pundit for Sky Sports.
His brother, doubles star Christian, often trains with Djokovic. But when Christian left town, Ryan was drafted in. After their 45-minute session, Ryan shed light on Djokovic and Seles’ bond.
“I was just listening. I’m a fly on the wall in those conversations so I just try to soak in the information,” he said.
“Whenever you’re dealing with those emotions that they deal with and with the pressures for players that have been that successful. I think Novak knows obviously she’s someone who can relate to that sort of pressure and that feeling.
“So when he saw that familiar face, he went over and said hello. I think you’re just trying to keep it light, acknowledge friends in the crowd, and keep it rolling.”
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