Djokovic celebrates sweet win with chocolate gift

LONDON (AFP) –

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his victory over Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro in their semi-final singles match on the seventh day of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London.

Novak Djokovic celebrated a sweet victory over Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals by handing out chocolates during his post-match press conference.

Djokovic booked a showdown against Roger Federer or Andy Murray in Monday’s final with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday and the world number one was in high spirits when he met the press.

The 25-year-old Serb answered questions about his win against del Potro and his prospects for the final before springing an unusual surprise on the packed room of journalists.

Asking reporters to stay for a minute longer once the conference finished, Djokovic was given a large box of chocolates by an assistant and proceeded to walk around the room offering them to the bewildered but amused press pack.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, I have a surprise. As a thank you for your cooperation throughout the whole year, I have a little chocolate treat for everybody. I hope you will be kind and accept my present to you,” the grinning Djokovic said.

“Christmas is coming, please take one,” he said as he carried the box of chocolates around the room while reporters with a sweet tooth snaffled up the treats.

One journalist appeared to come back for a second helping, but the eagle-eyed Djokovic noticed. “Did you take two?,” he joked.

Meanwhile, Djokovic will be appearing in his first final of the season-ending event since winning the tournament in Shanghai in 2008 and he admits he is desperate to regain the crown to cap another successful year.

The Australian Open champion has won all four of his matches in the Tour Finals this week and he will ignore the aches and pains nagging his body to go for broke one last time.

“For me, it’s already the perfect ending, being part of the final match here in London,” Djokovic said.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Knowing it’s the last match of the season, I’m going to try to give my best physically and mentally to get the trophy.”

Djokovic has no preference about facing Murray, who he defeated in the group stages, or defending champion Federer.

“Whoever I play against tomorrow, it’s going to be very open,” Djokovic said.

“I think there are no predictions about who’s going to win. Very few points will decide the winner.”