Novak Djokovic is the dominant force in men’s tennis and is the favourite to win a gold medal in the men’s singles at the Olympics. But Frances Tiafoe is one player who is certainly not afraid of facing the world No 1 in Tokyo, insisting pre-match: “I don’t mind the match up.”
The pair last met in the second round of the Australian Open in February when Djokovic won in four sets.
Both players were involved in a real battle with the American pushing Djokovic to the limit in the second and third sets.
And it seems that despite coming out second best in the three-and-a-half hour contest, Tiafoe gained a lot of belief from facing the world No 1 that day.
“He’s a straight pro,” said Tiafoe. “His process every day is crazy.
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But the American pointed out the fact that tennis at the Olympics is played in a best of three-set format compared to best of five at the Grand Slams where Djokovic has been almost unbeatable in recent years.
“I like playing Novak in two-out-of-three than three-out-of-five. I count myself as a dark horse at any particular moment. It’s a completely different format, it’s a team event, everyone is super nervous.
“You’re trying to fight for a medal. It’s not like you’re with your whole individual team.
“It’s different. Everyone is out of their comfort zone and how do you get comfortable being uncomfortable?
“I feel like for me it’s kind of open and I’m just going to have a good experience and try to play my best.”
Tiafoe is on the opposite side of the draw to Djokovic so would not face the world No 1 until the final.
He begins his campaign on Sunday against Soonwoo Kwon whilst Djokovic plays Jean-Lennard Struff in the second round on Monday after beating Hugo Dellin.
