Novak Djokovic offers helping hand to WTA star who 'wishes she could practice' with Serb

is ready to offer a helping hand to Qinwen Zheng after she admitted that it would be a dream to practice with the Serb. Both players are in China this week, with Djokovic playing at the Shanghai Masters and Zheng competing at the Wuhan Open.

Zheng recently expressed a desire to meet up with Djokovic and compare the Olympic medals they won over the summer. She also opened the door to a practice session with the 37-year-old, who has been showing off his medal at his recent tournaments.

"The gold medal brings me a lot of energy, just like Djokovic," said Zheng. "He has the gold medal everywhere he goes, from Europe to the USA and all the way to China. Of course, the gold medal brought him a lot of great energy.

"I did not have the chance to take a picture with his gold medal. I really wish I could practice with him with his gold medal."

Djokovic was quizzed on Zheng's comments while in Shanghai and said he would be happy to lend her a helping hand. He also agreed to pose for a picture with their Olympic medals but suggested it might not happen until next year's Australian Open.

"She's so young, she made China proud this year at the Olympic Games," said Djokovic. "She brought the gold medal, I think first ever in tennis for China, so it's a big deal. She's a great person and a really, really good player that keeps on improving.

"I like to watch her, I'm a big fan of her as a person and as a player. We have a nice relationship off the court, and when we have a chance, we chat.

"Of course I'm there, she knows that I'm available to her and to her coaching team any time she wants to ask for advice or anything like that. I heard about the picture for the gold medal, with the gold medal, so that would be fun, that would be great.

"I don't know if it's going to happen before Australia, because our schedules are different, but maybe in Australia we can bring the medals and we can do it there."

Zheng is the fifth seed at the Wuhan Open and will be hoping to give the home fans something to cheer about by claiming the top prize. Djokovic also stands a good chance of securing glory in Shanghai and will face Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals on Friday.