Djokovic and Norrie are set to face off at 6 a.m. Hanoi time on 30/8.

After his first two victories at the US Open against rising stars Learner Tien and Zachary Svajda, Novak Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm for working with young talent. In a video posted on the US Open's social media, the 24-time Grand Slam champion joked about potentially coaching Joao Fonseca, who defeated Tien in the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals.

"My post-retirement plan is to coach Fonseca," Djokovic said. "He'll have to pay me a lot. So be ready for that."

Fonseca hits a backhand in the second round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 27/8. _Photo: Reuters_

Fonseca, at 18, became the youngest champion in Next Gen ATP Finals history when he won the title late last year. Previous winners Jannik Sinner (2019) and Carlos Alcaraz (2020) were also 18 when they claimed the title.

Fonseca started 2024 ranked outside the world's top 700 but has climbed to 45th. The 2006-born player won his first ATP Tour title at the Argentina Open, reached the third round of the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Cincinnati Masters. He also won the Challenger tournament in Phoenix, defeating established players like Kei Nishikori and Alexander Bublik.

Djokovic expects Fonseca to join the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz. "Everyone loves to see top-level rivalries, and I hope Alcaraz and Sinner will continue theirs for a long time," he said. "There will be younger players, the next generation, emerging and challenging them. I think those young talents will join the race. Holger Rune is already there, but he's a bit inconsistent. Fonseca could do it too."

Djokovic sees Fonseca as the "new Nole" in a rivalry reminiscent of his own with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal two decades ago. "I quite sympathize with the third guy, as I was in that position with Federer and Nadal at their peak. I definitely want to see a third person emerge between Sinner and Alcaraz."

Fonseca's US Open run ended in the second round with a 6-7, 2-6, 3-6 loss to Tomas Machac, preventing a potential quarterfinal clash with Djokovic. Djokovic himself faces a challenge in the third round against Cameron Norrie.

Djokovic serves during his second-round match against Svajda at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 27/8. _Photo: Reuters_

Norrie has lost all six previous encounters with Djokovic, including a straight-sets defeat at the French Open in May. The experienced British player, known for his endurance, believes Djokovic's superior serving was key to those victories. If Djokovic's serve falters, he could face difficulties against Norrie, who is coming off wins against Sebastian Korda and Francisco Comesana.

Vy Anh