NEW YORK — The life of a tennis pundit can often be unpredictable, but for former American pro Ryan Harrison, a single text message during the 2023 US Open led to a surreal and unforgettable experience. The Sky Sports analyst found himself on the receiving end of a last-minute call to hit with none other than 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, a request that forced him into some highly unusual pre-match preparations.
Harrison, now a regular commentator, was working at Flushing Meadows when his phone buzzed with an unexpected message. It was from a member of Djokovic’s team, asking if he was available for a practice session. The Serbian superstar, known for his meticulous and often intense training routines, was seeking a specific type of hitting partner to help him prepare for his next match.
The Unexpected Text Message
Harrison recounted the story on the Inside-In podcast, detailing the moment his ordinary day took a dramatic turn. "I got a text from one of the guys that works with him, and he was like, ‘Hey, are you around? Novak is looking for a hit,’" Harrison explained. The request was as direct as it was surprising, leaving little room for hesitation.
For any tennis player, receiving an invitation to hit with arguably the greatest of all time is both an honor and a daunting proposition. Harrison, a former World No. 40 who faced Djokovic twice on the ATP Tour (losing both matches in straight sets), understood the level of intensity required. He immediately said yes, but there was one significant problem: he was not prepared to step onto a court, especially not one with Djokovic on the other side of the net.
A Mad Dash to Prepare
The text came while Harrison was in the middle of his broadcasting duties, dressed in formal attire and far from match-ready. He was forced into a comical and frantic scramble to get himself prepared for the high-octane practice session. "I was doing commentary, so I’m in like slacks and a button-down," he said. "I had to run to the store. I didn’t have any shoes, I didn’t have any socks, I didn’t have any clothes. So I had to go to the Nike store, and I was like, ‘I need everything. I need socks, I need shoes, I need a shirt, I need shorts, I need a hat.’"
This impromptu shopping spree was just the beginning. Harrison then had to navigate the bustling grounds of the US Open, change into his new gear in a locker room, and mentally switch from analyst mode to elite-hitting-partner mode in a matter of minutes. The entire ordeal was a stark contrast to the meticulous preparation Djokovic himself is famous for.
Stepping Onto the Court with a Legend
Finally, dressed in his brand-new outfit, Harrison made his way to the practice court where Djokovic was waiting. The atmosphere, he described, was all business. "We started hitting and it was serious from the first ball," Harrison recalled. "There was no, ‘Hey, how are you doing? How’s the family?’ It was like, match intensity from the first ball. He’s getting his work in."
This intensity is a hallmark of Djokovic’s practice sessions. He is known for treating every drill, every rally, and every point with the seriousness of a championship match. For the player on the other side, it’s a unique glimpse into the engine room of greatness. Harrison noted the sheer quality and purpose behind every shot, designed to simulate specific match situations and sharpen Djokovic’s reflexes and timing.
The Djokovic Practice Experience
Hitting with Djokovic is not a casual rally. It’s a structured, demanding workout with clear objectives. Harrison’s experience aligns with what other players have described over the years:
- No Warm-up Rallies: The session begins at full intensity immediately.
- Point Play: Much of the time is spent playing out points from various scores.
- Target Practice: Djokovic focuses on hitting specific targets with relentless precision.
- Physical Demand: The pace is high, and the duration is physically grueling.
Harrison described the physical toll, noting that even as a retired professional who still keeps himself in excellent shape, he was pushed to his limit. "I was dying. I was absolutely gassed," he admitted with a laugh. "But it was incredible. You see why he is who he is. The focus, the level he brings to every single moment on the court, it’s just different."
A Unique Perspective for a Pundit
For Harrison, the experience provided invaluable insight that he can directly channel into his work as a broadcaster for Sky Sports. Having felt the pace and depth of Djokovic’s shots firsthand mere hours before analyzing his matches on television gives his commentary a unique layer of authenticity. He can speak not just from the perspective of a former opponent, but from the very recent experience of being his practice partner.
This inside access is a goldmine for a pundit. He can explain the strategic nuances Djokovic was working on, the specific patterns of play he was drilling, and the physical condition he was in. It transforms his analysis from theoretical to practical, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the game within the game.
Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, Harrison expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity, despite the initial panic and the physical exertion. "It’s one of those stories you’ll tell forever," he said. "How I had to run through the US Open grounds to buy an entire outfit because Novak needed a hit. It’s pretty surreal."
The story perfectly encapsulates the world of professional tennis, where moments of sheer normality can instantly collide with extraordinary opportunities. It also highlights Novak Djokovic’s singular focus; his need for perfect preparation is so great that it can send a TV analyst on a mad dash to the nearest sneaker store. For Ryan Harrison, it was a demanding practice session. For fans of the sport, it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines a champion.