Olga Danilovic has never experienced an atmosphere like the one that awaits her at Arthur Ashe Stadium for her second round match on Wednesday at noon at the U.S. Open against defending champion Naomi Osaka. But her mentor certainly has.
Danilovic, a qualifier ranked 145th, has been mentored and inspired from a young age by the 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, a compatriot who has quietly offered support to many young Serbian players, even as he chases a spot atop the pantheon of men’s tennis history.
“When you talk to him you think, ‘OK, now I’m going to beat everyone after talking to him,’” Danilovic told Tennis.