Djokovic may have shot himself in the foot as Serb plays peacemaker

Novak Djokovic’s latest practice session could come back to haunt him as the Serb hit with Holger Rune. The 19-year-old upset Djokovic in the Paris Masters final last November and could have gained even more insight into his game from their hit together. Djokovic also played peacemaker between Rune and Stan Wawrinka, who previously traded blows at the net.

Djokovic is gearing up to return to competition in Monte Carlo after he was banned from entering the US for the sunshine swing. And his choice of practice partners has grabbed attention, as the world No 1 posted a picture posing alongside Rune and Wawrinka.

The Dane and the 38-year-old have been involved in some drama of late, trading barbs at the net following their Indian Wells meeting last month. It meant that fans were stunned to see the two posing together with Djokovic, who has now been deemed the peacemaker between the pair.

It comes after Wawrinka told Rune he was a “crybaby” after losing their Paris Masters match in November, and the world No 8 hit back last month. When the former world No 3 won their third-round match in Indian Wells, Rune confronted him at the net and asked: “You’ve got nothing to say now?”

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The three-time Major champion then told French reporters that the rising star was “building a reputation in the locker room that he will regret one day.” While Wawrinka may believe that Rune is earning a negative reputation, the 19-year-old has already proven himself on the tennis court by stunning Djokovic in Paris last year.

At the time, the world No 1 had not lost a match at the Paris Masters since the 2018 final but Rune came from a set down to snap Djokovic’s 13-match streak in Paris-Bercy. He won the biggest title of his young career and broke into the top 10, earning an alternate spot at the ATP Finals.

With Rune already capable of beating Djokovic, the 22-time Grand Slam champion may have shot himself in the foot by inviting his rival for a practice session. After their Paris Masters match, the teenager explained how he dug deep to upset the world No 1 and he will now have even more insight into his tactics for their next meeting.

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It does mean that Djokovic has also learned more vital information about Rune in return, but the world No 8 has the edge of a winning record against the Serb. In November, the 35-year-old said he was impressed by Rune’s “fighting spirit”.

Meanwhile, Rune said he knew Djokovic had “much more experience” than him after winning the title. But his belief proved crucial and the three-time title winner will have an even bigger boost when they next meet on a court – having the confidence of both beating Djokovic and training with him.

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