"My daugher & I agreed I'd celebrate that way" - Novak Djokovic reveals hidden meaning behind new violin celebration at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic unveiled a new celebration at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, celebrating his third-round win over Alexei Popyrin by playing an imaginary violin. The Serb has now revealed the reason behind the same, which has to do with his daughter Tara.
Djokovic lost the opening set against Popyrin on Saturday before mounting a comeback, eventually reaching the second week at SW19 with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) win.
The World No. 2, who appeared in much better spirits when compared to his first two matchs at the Grass Major, then pulled off his new violin celebration to entertain the fans on Center Court.
Speaking to Serbian media afterwards, Djokovic stated that he wanted to do it for his five-year-old daughter, who has just started learning the violin.
“That was for Tara. My [daughter] has been playing violin for some time already, six months, and we agreed that I would celebrate that way," Novak Djokovic said at a press conference.
The former World No. 1 then went on to discuss iconic sports celebrations that he found interesting, remembering the likes of Usain Bolt, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham.
"Usain Bolt [has his own signature celebration]! Ronaldo and that 'sui', I also like Agassi's waving with a kiss when he bows. Guga at Roland Garros with heart, there are interesting ones... Bellingham, he simply spreads its arms, Alcaraz did that, I did that at Roland Garros," Djokovic said.
"It's interesting and fun that we can take it from other sports, combine sports, it travels quickly through networks. Everyone has their own thing, I changed it, it depends on the moment and feelings, now I have a violin. he added.
Novak Djokovic to next take on Holger Rune next in Wimbledon 4R
Following his win over Alexei Popyrin, Novak Djokovic will next take on Holger Rune in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Rune, seeded 15th at SW19 this year, came back from two sets down to beat Quentin Halys in the third round.
The head-to-head between the duo is currently 3-2 in favor of the Serb, with him also winning two of their most recent battles. This will be their first encounter in 2024, as well as their first on grass. The winner of the clash will take on either Alex de Minaur or Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals, followed by a potential semifinal meeting against fourth seed Alexander Zverev.