When Novak Djokovic appeared on the big screen at the State de France during the Rugby World Cup Final,
supporters erupted.
The world’s top tennis player was present when South Africa defeated New Zealand in a nail-biting match that
determined the World Cup, which began in early September.
During an exciting match that offered a fitting finale to a superb competition, he was photographed conversing with
British singer-songwriter Rita Ora.
It is unclear how much Djokovic understands about rugby because he has not spoken about it, although he did speak
earlier on Saturday about his love of watching and playing other sports.
He took part in a star-studded golf contest prior to the Ryder Cup last month as he took some time away from tennis
and it seems he is trying to embrace as many sports as possible after his appearance at the rugby.
“I did try to use my free time to play golf, to follow other sports, as well,” he told the media in Paris.
“I’m a big fan of basketball. So I followed all the Belgrade club matches. As far as golf is concerned, I’m not at the
same level as tennis, definitely (smiling).
“But I made most of my free time, I have to say. I made sure to have some quality time with my family. Over the last
three weeks I have practiced a lot, I have done a lot of physical preparation to make sure that I was ready for the end
of the season.
“The work that we have done over the last month was aiming at making me more precise, more accurate, because I
knew that I didn’t have so much time afterwards for the end of the season. So I’m quite satisfied with all these weeks
of free time that I spent.
But tennis, I’m missing tennis, you know. I’m missing competitions, as well. Especially here in Paris. I can feel the
support. And I think that I can deliver here.”
Djokovic was a close friend of basketball icon Kobe Bryant prior to tragic death in a helicopter crash and he has also
developed close friendships with soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NFL star Tom Brady.
“I try to maintain and nurture relationships with athletes from different sports because, as an athlete, of course I
relate to them, I identify myself with what they are doing, and. I can understand the pain, the sacrifice, the
dedication,” said Djokovic last month.
“I respect the greatness, especially the guys that have made it to an all-time great level in their respective sports.
“Those are the kind of people that you want to be around. You want to learn things from them because you never
know, there are things that can be so inspirational.”
Djokovic is in Paris to play at the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 event and you can catch all the action throughout that
tournament on Tennis365.
Leave a Reply