Novak Djokovic is known for his non-traditional training methods, but he took things to a new extreme in Tokyo on Monday, when he tried his hand at sumo wrestling.
The ATP No. 1 went to Ryogoku Edo-Noren, where he learned some sumo techniques from real retired wrestlers.
Just too good ????
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) September 30, 2019
Well played, @DjokerNole ???? #NovakGoesSumo ???? ???????? pic.twitter.com/FE75NjoQl7
Djokovic looked solid when there wasn't an opponent involved, however, when he tried out what he learned in a mock match, it turned out the pro was an even more immovable defender than he is.
But Djokovic isn't the only one to have met with local athletes recently. At this week's other big tournament, the China Open, Frances Tiafoe had a photo op with Nico Yennaris, who plays soccer for Beijing Sinobo Guoan F.C.
⚽️ x ????
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) September 29, 2019
???????? pro footballer @Nico_Yennaris meets @FTiafoe at the @ChinaOpen ???? pic.twitter.com/2PKxu4gsZ4
Yennaris was born in England, but represents China in international play, so he also taught Tiafoe how to introduce himself in Chinese.
And a quick ???????? lesson too ????
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) September 29, 2019
How did he do, @Nico_Yennaris?@ChinaOpen | @FTiafoe pic.twitter.com/kHIGNR3yOP
Tiafoe, ranked No. 46, had a tough opening round in Beijing on Monday, losing to No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev.
Meanwhile, Djokovic, it's safe to say, should stick to sports suited for athletes who weigh 170 pounds. As the top seed in Tokyo's Japan Open, he opens his singles tournament on Tuesday, against qualifier Alexei Popyrin.