WATCH: Novak Djokovic admits he offered to coach Welsh soccer star Gareth Bale after being surprised by his ‘ripping forehand’
Djokovic will make his much awaited return to the tour at the Paris Masters on Tuesday.
Gareth Bale and Novak Djokovic at the Ryder Cup All Star Match (Via Ryder Cup/X)
Bonhomie, between 24-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic and Welsh soccer star Gareth Bale, is the sports world’s ‘Multiverse of Madness’ borne through their mutual love for tennis, golf, and football, in that order. The pair recently met up at the Ryder Cup celebrity all-star match. The former Real Madrid star also gave the tennis World No.1 some golf lessons during the match.
The Serb is ready to return the favor as he admitted that he was surprised after seeing the Instagram video of the Welsh ripping forehands on a tennis court.
I've seen him [Bale] ripping the forehands. I actually texted him right away as soon as I saw the video and I said, ‘You’re ripping those forehands, I really like it’.Djokovic via Tennis TV
In response, the Welsh, while thanking him for the compliments, told Djokovic, “I’m struggling with my backhands.” The tennis star was kind enough to offer his services as a coach and said, “I can help you with that.” Djokovic also ensured Bale that they would work on his backhand the next time they met.
Gareth Bale has never shied away from sharing his love for golf and his golf skills were evident as he led his team outclassed their opponents in the inaugural Ryder Cup celebrity All-Star Match in Rome. Bale, who retired from professional soccer in January, made his PGA tour debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, earlier this year.
The 34-year-old had earlier caused a big controversy after waving a flag decorated with the words “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that Order” in the post-match celebration of Wales’ qualification for 2020 Euros. The apparent dig at his former club, Real Madrid, caused a huge uproar in the Spanish media.
Novak Djokovic meets Lionel Messi at the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris
World No.1 Novak Djokovic was in attendance at the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris as it played host to a plethora of world football stars. At the red carpet, the Serb met the soccer World Cup-winning captain and Inter-Miami player, Lionel Messi, who eventually went on to win the the most prestigious individual award in football.
Djokovic joined the ceremony, in Theatre du Chatelet, as he had the honor of handing the women’s Ballon d’Or award to Barca Femeni star and World Cup winner for Spain Aitana Bonmati.
The 36-year-old also caught up with YouTube sensation ishowspeed on the sidelines of the ceremony. The Serb sarcastically introduced himself as a young and upcoming player for the Italian club AC Milan. On being asked about his favorite football team, Djokovic shouted out his home club, Red Star Belgrade.
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Angira D Shah
(198 Articles Published)