"Next stop, Tour de France" - Novak Djokovic takes up cycling during training, hilariously warns 3x champion Tadej Pogacar
Novak Djokovic is back in training as he gears up for the final Major of the season - US Open. Djokovic took up cycling as one of his training routines and hilariously mentioned that his next stop is the Tour de France. He even warned three-time champion Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar about it.
Djokovic had an underwhelming 2024 season and reached his first final of the year at Wimbledon in July. He ended as runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz and faced the Spaniard again in the 2024 Paris Olympics final weeks later. The Serb came out on top at Roland Garros and earned the gold medal that had eluded him in five attempts.
He has been relishing his Olympic triumph in the past two weeks. The Serb celebrated in the grandest of manners with the people of his country while also taking a much-needed break.
He skipped two Masters 1000 events - the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open - owing to his gold medal run at the Olympics. The 37-year-old was the defending champion in Cincinnati but it was 'a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati' as stated by tournament director Bob Moran.
He will, however, defend his title at the New York Major. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has begun training to get back to match fitness. He took to Instagram to post a video about his cycling routine where he is seen in high spirits, racing along with fellow cyclists. Djokovic captioned the video:
"Back in training. Setting new goals. Next stop, Tour de France. (Iām coming for you, @tadejpogacar š)"
Pogacar is a Slovenian cyclist who has won the Tour de France thrice and is the current champion. He is also the current UCI World No. 1.
Novak Djokovic to feature in a blockbuster exhibition doubles clash at the US Open 2024 with John McEnroe against Carlos Alcaraz & Andre Agassi
Before the US Open main draw commences on August 26, the Fan Week is scheduled to take place from August 19 to 25.
Several exciting events are lined up during the fan week with one of the biggest attractions being the 'Stars of the Open' event. Novak Djokovic will partner John McEnroe in an exhibition doubles match against Carlos Alcaraz and Andre Agassi.
In the same event, Venus Williams will also return to court in an exhibition mixed doubles match. She will partner former US Open champion Andy Roddick against former champions Gabriela Sabatini and Juan Martin del Potro.