For most tennis players, standing across the net from Novak Djokovic, the greatest player in history, is a scene that only happens on TV or in dreams. But last weekend, a Greek player ranked well outside the top 1000 unexpectedly found himself opposite the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
28-year-old Stefanos Schinas, currently ranked 1190th in the world, became Djokovic’s temporary training partner at the 91 Tennis Club in Athens Riviera as the Serb prepared for the clay-court season. Schinas described the experience as “every tennis player’s dream.”
The chance encounter came about when Djokovic, training in Athens, needed a local player after his usual hitting partner left. Through a recommendation from Petros Tsitsipas (brother of Stefanos Tsitsipas), Schinas’ phone number reached Djokovic’s team.
“I naturally accepted,” Schinas recalled in an interview with Tennis24. That phone call instantly transformed him from an unknown professional into the center of media attention.
Meeting the tennis legend was nerve-wracking. “I was very nervous,” Schinas admitted. “I knew this training session would be extremely tough. Novak’s shots are incredibly fast and consistent. His personality is very strong, and his presence is imposing. You can truly feel that the greatest player of all time is standing in front of you.”
He trained alongside another Greek player, Vangelis Fragistas, as Djokovic typically practices with two players simultaneously for competitive drills.
Once on court, Schinas felt not only the technical gap but also the mental intensity. “I gave 100% effort because I knew Novak usually faces top players,” he said. The speed and precision of Djokovic’s shots left a deep impression. “Even against more aggressive shots, he still managed to stand close to the baseline.”
What struck the Greek player most was Djokovic’s focus. “His concentration throughout the training was remarkable. He didn’t waste a single second on court. I have never seen any tennis player maintain such incredible focus. I also liked how well organized the session was.”
The high-intensity training took place on May 2. The following day (May 3), Djokovic completed his final practice with another Greek player, Andreas Loizas, before departing for Rome. He began his first training session at the Foro Italico center court on Monday, officially kicking off his clay-court campaign for the Rome Masters and the French Open.
For Schinas, that weekend competing against a giant of the sport will become an unforgettable memory in his career. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)
