WATCH: Novak Djokovic gets stumped by Jelena Dokic’s question on their first-ever meeting
The Serbian had to go deep into his memory to answer interviewer Jelena Dokic's questions
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Jelena Dokic and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic had a rare nervous moment on the court today. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was being interviewed courtside by former Serbian-Australian tennis player Jelena Dokic when she asked Djokovic whether he remembered when the two of them had met for the first time at the Australian Open.
Djokovic was initially stumped by the question and looks away. He pretends to read an imaginary diary as the crowd laughs along. Djokovic then turns back to Dokic and says 2007. He then quickly corrects himself and changes his answer to 2006. Dokic’s eyes light up as she tells Djokovic his answer is correct. She then recalls the story saying that Djokovic came up to her and said, “Hi, I’m Novak Djokovic, do you remember me?”
Dokic reveals that at the time she said she did but admits she wasn’t telling the truth then. She also remembers that the pair had practiced together two years before that. Dokic goes on to praise Djokovic, saying that she definitely remembers him now. Djokovic returns her compliment and says that playing with Dokic, a big star at the time, was an honor. He fondly reminds everyone that she is from Serbia like him, despite playing for Australia during her career.
Fans across the world loved the moment in the interview. Many were happy to see Djokovic remembering moments like these and praised Dokic for her interviewing skills. The interview occurred after fourth-seed Djokovic’s third-round win over Grigor Dimitrov. He has now moved into the fourth round, where he will face a local boy. His status as the favorite has strengthened this week after some giant killings in the second and third rounds of the 2023 Australian Open.
Related: Injured Novak Djokovic pulls the trigger on Dimitrov to enter Round 4 of the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic wins injury plagued third-round Australian Open tie
Djokovic pushed through physical discomfort to win his third-round clash. The Serbian has struggled with a hamstring injury since the Adelaide International 1. He picked it up in the tournament’s semifinals, which he still went on to win. Djokovic has admitted that the injury won’t let him play at his 100%.
The injury hasn’t been prominent in his first two Australian Open clashes. But that changed during his tie with Grigor Dimitrov. Djokovic saved three set points to win a hard-fought first set 7-6(7). He immediately took a medical timeout after the set, with his team looking concerned. He had an easier time in the second set, winning 6-3. However, he was forced to take another medical timeout in the third set at 4-1.
The time off helped Djokovic as he came back to finish the job while dominating baseline exchanges. The win means the Serbian will face off against Australian Alex de Minaur in the fourth round. He will probably face a crowd wishing against him and backing the homegrown star. But Djokovic has been here before plenty of times.
Incase you missed it:
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Andy Murray details reasons for his third-round exit at 2023 Australian Open
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)