Novak Djokovic’s Hilarious Mandarin Moment at United Cup Press Conference

Novak Djokovic surprised by speaking in Mandarin Chinese and could not contain his laughter

Novak Djokovic is one of the best tennis players in history and for now he is the most Grand Slam winner with 24 conquests, two more than another legend like Rafael Nadal who returned to the courts after a year with a victory. But the Serbian, number one in the ATP Rankings, is also a character off the court as a result of his charisma, grace and predisposition for fun moments. As happened at a press conference for the United Cup, which is played in Australia, and went viral due to an unusual event.

Just minutes before the New Year was celebrated in that country, a Chinese journalist asked Nole if she could send a message in Mandarin, since the Serbian manages to speak in that language. The woman proposed a few words in that language in reference to the new year and the 36-year-old tennis player did not hesitate: “Happy new year. Thanks for your support. I love you China.” In addition, he called the chronicler “my good friend.”

In the final part of his sentence, Nole put on a typical accent used by Asians, which generated a wave of laughter. First because no one could believe the Serbian’s ability to speak Mandarin Chinese and then because of the funny gestures he made with his face. Immediately, Djokovic burst out laughing and infected everyone present, including his partner in the tournament with whom he shares a mixed doubles for nations, Olga Danilovic. Everyone was surprised, although also laughing at the more than funny moment that came out live and direct.

Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic of Serbia laugh during their mixed doubles match against Qinwen Zheng and Zhizhen Zhang of China at the United Cup in Perth, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Trevor Collens)

It should be remembered that before this episode, the Chinese Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen, also in their press conference, were surprised by Djokovic, who, when he entered the room, did his thing and already stole a smile from everyone with a happy ” Ni hao!” (hello in Mandarin). At that gesture, Zheng Qinwen, world number 15, smiled and greeted Nole back. “Idol!” Zheng said as Djokovic prepared to leave the place, in another show of respect to avoid attracting attention while his colleagues shared their feelings in the wheel with the media.

Meanwhile, this Tuesday Djokovic led Serbia in the United Cup series against the Czech Republic, in which after his victory in singles he was unable to play doubles due to discomfort in his right wrist. Nole gave Serbia the first point after beating the Czech Jiri Lehecka, 6-1, 6-7, 6-1. In the third set, when he was winning 5-0, he had to be treated due to some discomfort in his right arm that forced him to give up playing the mixed doubles.

Danilovic, for his part, beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3, so everything remained to be resolved in the doubles duel, for which Djokovic was replaced by Hamad Medjedovic, who won with Danilovic over Miriam Kolodziejova and Petr Nouza 4-6, 7-6 (2) and 10-8. With the victory, Serbia reaches the quarterfinals having also won its first group series against China and will face Australia.

2024-01-03 03:57:00
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