Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic believes mixed training sessions on the professional tour has its benefits for both genders.
Earlier this week Maria Sharapova hit the headlines when she was filmed practising against Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open. On Monday Sharapova uploaded a video of the two hitting a 27-shot rally on one of the practice courts. Along with the caption ‘two minutes on court with the GOAT.’ Nadal has won a record 55 ATP titles on the clay, including 10 French Open Trophies.
https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova/status/995995610720489472
The top seed later replied to Sharapova’s video by thanking her. Nadal will get his campaign underway in the tournament later this week. At stake for him is the chance of reclaiming the No.1 spot after losing it last week in Madrid. The Spaniard was dethroned from the top by Roger Federer following his quarter-final loss to Dominic Thiem at the Caja Magica.
“Thanks Maria! It’s been a pleasure hitting with the you a few balls.” He wrote on Twitter.
Nadal isn’t the first ATP player Sharapova has trained with. She also previously practiced with 12-time grand slam champion Djokovic. Shortly after his first round win against Alexandr Dolgopolov at the Italian Open, the Serbian was asked about the recent training session. Reflecting back on his own experience, Djokovic explained why he likes to practice alongside female players.
“Actually, they (WTA players) hit better than most of us guys from the spot. I mean, they don’t miss. And they hit flat and straight at you. So, they don’t take time to warm up. They go at full speed at you.” He said.
“I have nothing against that. In contrary, I actually like it. I played with Ana Ivanovic a couple of times and we practiced. So, I’ve done it before.”
Djokovic will play either Filippo Baldi or Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round in Rome. He is a four-time champion of the event, last clinching the title in 2016. This year he enters the event in a different mindset after what has been a challenging start to the year. Djokovic missed half of the 2017 season due to a serious elbow injury.
“I had to learn in the last 12 months that, because of the circumstances and injury and surgery and all these different things, I had to think about my game and about my results and approach the tournaments in a little bit different way.” He explained.
“It’s not like I don’t want to win. Of course, I want to win every match. But I had to understand that — where my level of my game is and to accept this reality and to accept that it is a process to get to where I want to be in terms of play, level of play.”
Following his first round victory, Djokovic currently has a win-loss record of 7-6 this year.
