Novak Djokovic Trolls Himself With a ‘Djokosmash’ Reference at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic has embraced a self-deprecating joke from his fans, humorously known as “Djokosmash,” following his second-round win at the French Open on Wednesday (May 27). The Serbian legend acknowledged that his overhead smash is his least-confident shot on the court.

Djokovic’s shot was first labeled Djokosmash at the 2018 Madrid Open during his match against Japanese star Kei Nishikori. He was serving to take a 4-3 lead in the second set of the tie, when he was gifted a chance to win an easy point by Nishikori.

Nishikori had lobbed his forehand shot high up in the air after Djokovic’s serve, which prompted the 39-year-old to go close to the net. After arriving close to the net, waiting to smash the ball, Nishikori gave up on the point and looked away in disgust. Djokovic then let it bounce on his side of the court before hitting it with his racket. But to everyone’s surprise, he smashed the ball into the net, gifting Nishikori the point.

Fans on social media dubbed the technique “Djokosmash,” which led him to avoid such a recurrence in his game. Since then, he often lets the ball drop a bit before smashing it, giving it the right kind of power and precision that would eventually help him win the point.

At the French Open, he defeated Valentin Royer in four sets, securing his place in the third round. After the win, he was asked by a reporter about his relationship with and growth in his smashing technique on the court. Djokovic then recalled that at one time his fans mocked and joked at the way he smashes lobbed shots:

I don’t think I’m the person you should talk to about this. I’m not sure if my coaches would agree when you say it has improved over the years, I’m not even sure I would. Even my fans coined the term ‘Djokosmash,’ I’m not sure if that’s a positive thing. Let’s say it hasn’t been the shot I’ve had the most confidence in throughout the last 10 or 15 years of my career. Maybe a bit more at the beginning, but let’s say I’m not a fan of smashes.

Djokovic has dropped two sets at the French Open, as he continues to find his best rhythm on the court. The former champion played just one competitive clay match before arriving at the tournament, which has been reflected in his game. Against Royer, who complained about some physical conditions, and at one time held him back.

Novak Djokovic believes Joao Fonseca can become a top player on tour

Novak Djokovic has defeated two French players at the Roland Garros to seal his place in the third round. He will face Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca on Friday (May 29) at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. It will be their first meeting on tour. Fonseca has been praised for his tennis style, but he’s yet to beat a top-10 player this season.

Last year, he claimed his first top 10 win over Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open in the first round. He went on to claim two titles in 2025, but this season, he has failed to reach a tour-level semi-final. During the aforementioned press conference, Djokovic admitted that Fonseca has the potential to become a top player:

Fonseca has received plenty of praise in the last two years. I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt. He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas, who enjoys night sessions. He played a great match against Sinner in Indian Wells, beat Rublev in straight sets in Australia…

Djokovic, who is in pursuit of his 25th major title, last lost to a player ranked outside the Top 21 at the 2024 US Open against Alexei Popyrin. He has found a consistent way to beat players in that cader each time they face him in Grand Slam tournaments. Should he beat Fonseca, he’s projected to face Casper Ruud in the fourth round.

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