READ: How Novak Djokovic helped Lorenzo Musetti on a rainy day in New York at the 2021 US Open
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Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti
World No.1 Novak Djokovic might not be an overwhelming fan favourite, unlike his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. However, the Serbian superstar is one of the most affable and generous players on the ATP tour, owing to which he is widely adored and respected by his contemporaries.
From kick starting the PTPA, in order to fight for parity on the tour to helping the young generation in various possible ways, Djokovic has been a standout.
At the ongoing 2021 US Open too, his generosity act has been on display. Just when it appeared that rough weather in New York would upset practice sessions for participating players, the top seed intervened and offered an alternative.
It was the Italian Lorenzo Musetti who benefited by Djokovic’s benevolence. Speaking to Ubitennis, Musetti’s coach Simone Tartarini informed, “Yesterday we were talking with Edoardo Artaldi (Djokovic’s manager) about the bad weather forecast and then he suggested we go and train with them, since luckily they have an indoor pitch.”
“The idea was immediately shared by both Vajda and Nole,” Musetti’s coach furtheradded. “And now we are in this beautiful place in New Jersey, a villa with an immense park and an indoor field, owned by a private individual who could be defined as wealthy, where Nole is a guest during the tournament.”
Musetti retired against Djokovic at Roland Garros
Interestingly, both Djokovic and Musetti did cross paths in the 2021 French Open, where the young Italian retired from the fourth round match in the final set. The 19-year-old was leading the top seed by two sets, before Djokovic shut the door firmly.
“Actually the relationship is excellent, first of all thanks to Marco Panichi (the athletic trainer), who is a very dear friend of mine, but we are on excellent terms, as I told you, also with his manager Edoardo Artaldi. Then of course, it may be that the match in Paris influenced Djokovic’s consideration of Lorenzo,” explained Tartarini.
While the 20-time Grand Slam champion will take on Tallon Griekspoor in the second round, Musetti will lock horns against the big serving American Reilly Opelka in round two of the US Open.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)