Tomljanovic will channel Djokovic in US Open duel with Serena

Ajla Tomljanovic will channel the fighting spirit of Novak Djokovic when she confronts Serena Williams and a baying, partisan crowd of more than 20 000 people at the US Open on Friday.

The 29-year-old Australian will attempt to push the American icon closer to retirement in their third round clash.

So far, Danka Kovinic and world number two Anett Kontaveit have tried and failed to derail the Serena express at a tournament where the American is a six-time champion.

Kontaveit admitted the cauldron-like atmosphere of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest arena in tennis, had left her intimidated in her three-set loss in the second round

"It was hard. I knew it was coming. It was something I never experienced before," said the shellshocked Estonian.

However, Tomljanovic, the Zagreb-born Australian, believes she can take a page out of the Djokovic playbook for the Friday night clash.

Djokovic has always struggled to win the crowds at the Slams where affections are often reserved for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"I remember Novak saying when the crowd was against him, he just pretends it's for him. When they chant, Rafa, Roger, whoever, he hears Novak, Novak," said Tomljanovic.

"I kind of liked that response. I might use that on Friday night."

The 29-year-old is no stranger to upsetting home hopes at a Grand Slam.

At Wimbledon last year, she faced down Centre Court before Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from their last-16 clash.

"I remember coming off that match and thinking, Wow, that was intense. I mean, it got to me a little bit, the volume of the crowd," admitted Tomljanovic.

The Australian certainly has a game big enough to disrupt Williams.

She has hit 14 aces in her two rounds so far, just six behind the American.

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