“Will pretends it’s just for me!” Ajla Tomljanovic reveals following Novak Djokovic’s tricks to handle Serena Williams’s mania ahead of their third-round clash

Serena Williams, the former world number one has started on a good note in the final innings of her career with her remarkable performances and is likely looked upon as one of the favorites at the 2022 US Open. She has made her way into the third round defeating the world number two Anett Kontaveit in a thrilling match where the six-time US Open champion totally dominated the game and also registered her 103rd career win in Arthur Ashe stadium. She is undoubtedly one of the greatest female athletes in the world who has played a crucial role in popularizing women’s tennis over the years.

The American legend had failed to make a strong comeback as she has managed to win only one out of the four matches since her return to the grasscourt season. The 23-time singles major champion will be looking to end her career on a good note hoping to win the title as she has been performing at her best level. Her retirement announcement resulted in the fast selling of the tickets which was totally unexpected as people thronged in huge numbers to support the champion for the final time with many celebrities in attendance at the stands. Serena Williams will go up against the Australian Ajla Tomljanovic for the third-round clash at the US Open.

Also Read: “GOAT!” Kim Kardashian celebrates Serena Williams’ emphatic farewell run at the US Open

“It’s going to be a huge moment no matter the outcome!”Ajla Tomljanovic excited ahead of her third-round clash against Serena Williams

Tomljanovic, during an interview, revealed her strategies to deal with the pro-Serena crowd. She talked about emulating Novak Djokovic’s tricks to handle situations when he plays against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. She said “I remember Novak saying, when the crowd was against him, he just pretends it’s for him. When they chant, I don’t know, Rafa, Roger, he only hears Novak. I kind of liked that response. I might use that. I was playing on Court 7 for both of my matches at the same time as her, and I could hear the crowd. I’m like Court 7 isn’t that close. I kept thinking, ‘Oh, my God, that’s annoying me and I’m not even playing against her.”

She stated that her main focus will be on the scoreline and will try not to get distracted during the match. She added “I don’t know how I’m going to do it. My focus will be is to keeping the scoreline close because I think she gets dangerous if she gets up. She’s the best when she gets ahead. When the crowd gets involved, that’s what it can get to you. I will just stay within my little bubble, have my corner that I go to when I need help just for support, block it out as much as I can, I’m going to try to just meditate all day.“

She also revealed that it will be a great experience for her irrespective of the result and it will be a lifetime experience for her as she is also a Serena Williams fan. She added that “It’s definitely something I’ll never forget in my career. It’s going to be a huge moment no matter the outcome.No matter the fact that I’ve been a Serena fan since I was a kid, on Friday night I’ll just be a competitor and I’ll try my best to win. I think she’s changed the sport, but also what she’s done worldwide for women in sports is incredible.“

Also Read: “These guys seem to have gone by me!” John McEnroe admits that Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal have defined an era of tennis that is unlikely to be repeated

Also Read: “It’s a bit too much!” Borna Coric blasts Jenson Brooksby for being too vocal after every point after bowing out of the US Open

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW