31 May 2024 , 10:31
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Novak Djokovic surprised everyone with his display of team spirit at the French Open.
The Serb star showed his softer side during a press conference at Roland Garros on Thursday. Djokovic, 37, sailed into the third round in Paris after defeating Roberto Carballes-Baena in straight sets, reaching the last-32 of the Paris major for the 19th year in a row.
Compatriot Olga Danilovic also advanced in the women's draw after a comeback victory over Danielle Collins. However, the inevitable nature of Djokovic's superstar profile meant he was still the main allure for journalists after they wrapped up at a similar time.
Danilovic, 23, has equalled her best major performance and was scheduled to face the press on Thursday evening. However, Djokovic ended up addressing the reporters first while Danilovic waited outside given their clash in timings.
Adding to the tension, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was 15 minutes late for his press conference and risked eating into Danilovic's time. As she appeared at the conference room door, Djokovic expressed his happiness for her success and invited her to join the Q&A session.
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"Oh, we speak about the wolf, and the wolf is at the door [a Croat expression equivalent to the English translation 'Speak of the devil']," he quipped, as quoted by Sportal (via the Daily Express). "Here, Olga herself will explain the secret of her success. I know what it's about, but let her say it."
Djokovic earlier noted he had "exclusive information" on fellow Serb sports star Nikola Jokic's future at the Summer Games. The Denver Nuggets icon, fresh from exiting the NBA playoffs, is seemingly still in two minds about competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Olga Dnilovic is leading the next generation of Serb tennis talent (Getty)When quizzed by Djokovic if she was looking to compete in France later this summer, Danilovic conceded she'd need to lift the title at Roland Garros in order to qualify given her current WTA ranking has her sitting 125th. That's when Djokovic playfully offered: "I'll give you some of my points."
The moment took a light-hearted turn as Djokovic decided to step away. Sharing the limelight with up-and-comer Danilovic in her moment of glory, he made for the exit as he said: "I'm leaving you with Olga. See you soon!"
Following Djokovic's departure, Danilovic couldn't resist a jest about her mentor's linguistic flair. She commented her compatriot "likes to talk in all languages," a reference to him answering press questions in Chinese during the United Cup in Australia.
Despite past controversies, including his headline-making expulsion from the 2022 Australian Open and occasional on-court outbursts, Djokovic was all charm as he passed the baton to one of Serbia's rising stars in the sport.
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