Tennis fans were left scratching their heads after a curious tub arrived at courtside during Novak Djokovic's historic win over Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open.
Reigning champion Djokovic saw his third round match delayed by persistent rain but eventually secured his place in the last-16 following a five-set marathon that finally concluded just after 3am. The match, which marked the latest finish ever at the French Open, saw dozing spectators jolted awake when a figure from the stands handed over the mysterious container, believed to be for Musetti.
The contents sparked online debate, with some dubbing it "magic powder". Confusion reigned as it was passed to a ball girl, leaving many unsure who the intended recipient was, though some onlookers insisted it was indeed for the Italian.
Social media buzzed with theories that Djokovic might have been the intended beneficiary as he was spotted having a heated discussion with an official at the moment the powder made its appearance. However, one viewer said: "1. That was Musetti's team giving him that. 2. Novak was asking for the court to be swept again. Those who watched know."
Another chimed in to disassociate Djokovic from the delivery: "Exactly... this had NOTHING TO DO WITH DJOKOVIC." A third added: "You know that 'potion' was for Musetti, right? That wasn't for Djokovic."
Boris Becker “stronger” after prison stint as he posts New Year message to fans
The jar was filled with a branded powdered energy drink named 'X-treme power drink'. It is not unusual for athletes, including tennis players, to use such supplements during competitions.
The brand's website describes the jar as a "powdered drink to create isotonic energy drink enriched with carbohydrates, mineral salts and vitamins". Eagle-eyed fans also spotted that the drink was different from what Djokovic has previously used.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who are you backing to win the French Open? Tell us in the comments section
The container that was delivered to courtside during Novak Djokovic's win over Lorenzo Musetti (X)The Serbian player caused a buzz at the French Open in 2022 when his team were seen huddled together mixing a drink, which Djokovic has since dubbed his "magic potion". Initially, he was reticent about revealing what the drink was but has since disclosed it is an electrolyte drink called Sila. Djokovic also holds shares in the company.
Djokovic will need all the assistance he can muster if he hopes to progress far in the French Open following another demanding match on Monday. He struggled into the quarter-finals after enduring the longest Roland Garros match of his career, defeating Francisco Cerundolo in another five-setter 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 over four hours and 39 minutes.
His tournament journey may be cut short due to a knee injury that plagued him during the match. Djokovic will undergo a scan today (Tuesday) to assess the severity of the problem. "I guess we'll do some more screening and tests and check-ups tomorrow, as well," he said on Monday.
Novak Djokovic during his victory over Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open (Getty)"We have done some with the doctor right now after the match. Some positive news but also some maybe concerns, so let's see tomorrow. I can't tell you more about it at the moment."
After his match, Djokovic criticised the slippery court conditions, which he believes led to the injury he seemed to pick up early in the second set. He was seen wincing and massaging his right knee just after securing the first set, and he had to call for a medical time-out while trailing 2-1 in the second.
The Serbian star was overheard telling the physio, "I screwed up my knee. I'm slipping and sliding all the time". Later on, he voiced his frustration to a tournament supervisor regarding the court's condition, remarking, "I'm telling you as a player, it's not OK".
Novak Djokovic makes feelings clear over return to Australia after visa debacle
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
