The stage is all set for an emphatic quarter-final clash up at the ongoing Australian Open. Novak Djokovic, who has already won 10 titles is hungry to bag his 11th title. However, standing in his way with the highest-ranked American player Taylor Fritz. With both players looking in red-hot form, the tie could go either way.
However, in a recent interview, former ATP came ahead and suggested that he believes that the young American sensation has an advantage. While giving his insights about the weather conditions and how the court is, Jimmy Courier suggested how Fritz will have an advantage going into the match.
Taylor Fritz gains surprising edge against Novak Djokovic in Australian Open face-off, per former ATP pro Jimmy Courier
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In a recent revelation, Jimmy Couriers came ahead and talked about the chances that Taylor Fritz will be having while going in against the Serbian. As Taylor Fritz gears up to take on Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, some unexpected factors might tip the match in his favor. Unlike Djokovic, who usually plays at night, Fritz faces him in a second consecutive day match with temperatures soaring to a hot 90 degrees.
Djokovic who is not a fan of the heat, could find this a bit challenging. Adding to the mix, Djokovic has been dealing with a chest cold and nasal issues, making his energy levels uncertain, especially if Fritz keeps him on the defensive.
“By the time these guys take on the court, it will be approaching 90 degrees. So that’s going to be a shock to the system. You factor in a couple of things. Novak has been under this weather this entire tournament. He had chest cold. He’s been nasally, been having blowing his nose. How is he going to feel energy wise? Because that will be tested if Taylor can keep him out there and force him to play a lot of defence, that’s where Novak will have to spend energy,” said Courier in the interview.
Jim Courier details how today's conditions will help Fritz against Djokovic 🥵☀️#TCLive | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Rf1UDrIViI
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 23, 2024
Adding to this, Courier further suggested that the faster playing conditions could benefit Fritz, as his serve and forehand will move through the court quickly. This could be an advantage for the young American. With these unexpected advantages, Fritz steps onto the court with a unique edge against the formidable Djokovic.
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“Faster conditions means Taylor’s serve and forehead are going to be flying through the court faster. That’s good for Taylor as well. So if you’re going to have a chance, you need some things to go in your way,” Courier further added.
Thus, according to Courier, things are heavily favoring Taylor Friotz to come out on top by the end of the match. With swift weather conditions and a faster court, Fritz could use it as an advantage and try to pull out a shocker and shatter Novak’s dream of an 11th title.
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However, a win against Novak Djokovic won’t be easy at all. The Serbian, known for his never give up attitude will go all guns blazing and try to seize the win in his favor. However, it is only time that will reveal who among the two comes out on top. What are your views on this? Whom are you rooting for? Do let us know in the comments below!
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