Novak Djokovic, often regarded as a master of tennis, has cemented his legendary status with 24 Grand Slam titles and 99 ATP victories. As he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, where he hopes to secure his 25th major title, Djokovic continues to surprise fans with his dynamic personality and playful antics. Teaming up with his new coach and former rival Andy Murray, Djokovic is gearing up for the intense competition, which begins on Sunday in Melbourne.
Djokovic’s Australian Open Dominance
The Serbian star holds an extraordinary record at the Australian Open. With 10 titles, he has won more than any other player in the Open Era. Djokovic has an impeccable record in finals at this tournament and boasts a remarkable 94-9 win-loss ratio across 103 matches in his 19 appearances. As of January 10, 2025, Djokovic is ranked seventh in the ATP rankings, a drop from his record 428 weeks as world number one. Interestingly, this ranking number aligns with the number of languages he has mastered—a testament to his multifaceted personality.
Djokovic’s Love for Languages
Djokovic’s ability to speak seven languages is no coincidence. In an interview last year, he shared how his global tennis career inspired him to learn multiple languages, including Italian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. He explained that communication plays a significant role in tennis, given the sport’s international nature. His passion for languages was further fueled by his interactions with Italian teammates and his inherent curiosity.
Playful Antics Off-Court
Djokovic’s lighthearted personality was on full display recently during a fun video shoot with the Australian Open Instagram team. He joked about speaking in all seven of his languages but settled for imitating an Australian accent, saying, “No worries, mate!” This playful side of Djokovic is a familiar sight at events, where he often engages in humorous banter with fellow players.
Earlier this week, during an exhibition match titled “A Night With Novak,” he teamed up with Qinwen Zheng against Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka. The game was filled with laughter and amusing moments, as Djokovic’s antics often left his partner and opponents puzzled. His playful style is not new—last year, he partnered with Aryna Sabalenka in a charity event match against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, where the players humorously mimicked each other’s grunts and gestures. Djokovic’s behind-the-back hand signals became a viral sensation, prompting Sabalenka and now Zheng to ask the crowd for help deciphering his moves.
Cherished Achievements
Despite his jovial nature, Djokovic remains deeply committed to his achievements. In a memorable exchange with Zheng during a recent exhibition, Djokovic teased her for not bringing her Olympic gold medal. He secured his own gold in 2024 after five attempts, a feat he treasures dearly.
Aiming for Grand Slam #25
As the Australian Open approaches, Djokovic is focused on making history with his 25th Grand Slam title. Although he faced a tough defeat against Reilly Opelka in Brisbane and ended the previous season without a major win for the first time since 2005, Djokovic remains optimistic. With Andy Murray as his coach, he hopes to overcome the challenges and reign supreme in Melbourne once again.
The question remains: Can Djokovic’s off-court humor fuel his on-court success? Fans eagerly await the answer as the tournament unfolds.