Details emerge of Novak Djokovic's brilliant act for US Open rival
Lorenzo Musetti’s coach has spoken out about a classy act from Novak Djokovic after the young Italian's practice plans were ruined by wild weather at the US Open on Thursday.
A water-logged US Open was put on hold after remnants of Hurricane Ida brought torrential rains and high winds to Flushing Meadows, flooding roads and interrupting one match that was being played under a roof.
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The powerful storm led the National Weather Service to declare a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time in history, with at least nine deaths reported in the region.
The wild weather ruined Musetti's practice plans ahead of his second-round clash with Reilly Opelka because the outdoor courts couldn't be used.
But World No.1 Djokovic stepped in and offered for the 19-year-old Italian to share the indoor court that he had booked.
“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,” Musetti’s coach Simone Tartarini revealed.
Unfortunately for Musetti the gesture didn't help, with Opelka winning 7-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic eases into third round at US Open
As for Djokovic, he easily reached the third round of the US Open with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands.
Djokovic improved to 15-0 in second-round matches at the Flushing Meadows and remained unbeaten in grand slam matches this season.
He is trying to become the first man to win all four majors in the same year since Rod Laver did so for the second time 1969.
The World No.1's biggest problem came in the second set with a heckling fan, but Djokovic regained his concentration to put away the victory.
Earlier, Kei Nishikori advanced to a third-round meeting with Djokovic, holding off American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-7 (5), 2-6, 6-3.
Nishikori improved to 27-7 in fifth sets, the highest winning percentage among active players, and avenged a loss to McDonald in Washington earlier this summer.
Nishikori beat Djokovic in the semi-finals at the US Open in 2014 to become the first Asian grand slam men's singles finalist. The Japanese star lost to Marin Cilic.
with agencies
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