Novak Djokovic joined by Monica Seles ahead of Carlos Alcaraz clash as legend drives eight hours in coaching boost

Friday, 05 September 2025 at 21:14

While Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the US Open shortly, one familiar face will be behind Novak Djokovic's camp with the legendary Monica Seles joining forces with the 38-year-old and driving eight hours to do so in a sure-fire sign that they are likely to work together.

Seles was seen watching Djokovic on the practice court hours before his semi-final match and said she drove a long way to be there to cheer on the World No.7. She will be a familiar sight in albeit given her legendary status, she likely won't be covert with cameras likely trained on her.

“I came here to support Novak in his match against Carlos Alcaraz. I know he needs all the energy possible and I will do my best to help him from the stands,” Seles told SportKlub while watching Djokovic.

Djokovic alluded to the partnership with Serbian journalists who he was baffled cracked the code but while she will be there, Seles said she won't be in his box based on superstition. “I don't want him to change anything. I'm very superstitious. I just came to watch his match. I drove eight hours to support him. I'll be here, how to say 'under the radar'. As long as he wins.”

But she wouldn't be drawn on a potential partnership with Djokovic saying it is something to discuss after the tournament. “We won't talk about that now. The focus is only on the semi-final so as not to waste energy. All this other stuff is not important.”

Who he was practicing with is also an interesting story as Ryan Harrison who is working as a pundit was the one practicing with him. He is working for Sky Sports and his brother Christian is out of town and was asked by Djokovic to train with him. So he asked brother Ryan who is now retired if he wanted the gig and he had to rush around for kit.

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“That was definitely a process to try and get ready for that," he said on Sky Sports. "I was at work with you guys getting ready to go, and they actually texted with my brother, who has hit with him quite a lot. My brother is the top-ranked American men’s doubles player.

“Christian said, I’m out of town, and they said, is there anyone else that you know that might be able to hit some balls? And he goes, well, Ryan is still there if you guys want to get in touch.

“So they reached out, they said, what’s your schedule? I said, well, I’ve got to figure out how I can get everything I need.”

“Jordan had an extra pair of shoes in the locker from when he played, Jordan Thompson. I went and grabbed those. There’s a lost and found in the locker room for players who have lost and then left stuff in their lockers.

“So I went to the locker room attendants and I said, guys, help me out here. So I started putting everything together. Jack Draper left a couple of Vuori things so that worked well for me. And I put it all together and then next thing you know, I was on the court with Novak.”

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Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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