Watch: Novak Djokovic gifts young fan signed racket, shirt
Novak Djokovic's Serbia Open run ended in disappointing fashion with a loss to Andrey Rublev in the final. But one young fan who travelled to Belgrade to watch his idol in action got the ending that he hoped for as he received a signed racket and shirt from the World No. 1.
Djokovic invited six-year-old fan Kojiro Owaki to the tournament and made sure that the Japanese kid had a great time. Kojiro sat courtside during the Serb's matches and even had a one-on-one tennis session with him.
In Serbia, @djokernole gave Kojiro the best time. Thank you to everyone who warmly welcomed us in Serbia🙏
I definitely want to come to Serbia again🇷🇸♥️
@serbiaopen
#djokovic
#ジョコビッチ
#Serbia
#serbiaopen
#novak
#novakdjokovic
#novaktenniscenter
#尾脇兄弟 https://t.co/wn0PNh2WDM
In a video posted on Kojiro's Twitter account, Djokovic could be seen signing a racket and handing it to young fan. The Serb drew a smiley face, signed it and wrote, "For Kojiro" with a heart symbol.
The video also showed a photo of Djokovic posing with Kojiro as his young fan held the racket. In a separate picture, the six-year-old Japanese was beaming as he held a signed shirt from Djokovic.
"In Serbia, @djokernole gave Kojiro the best time. Thank you to everyone who warmly welcomed us in Serbia. I definitely want to come to Serbia again," a post on Kojiro's Twitter account read.
The moment when @AndreyRublev97 defeated the reigning World No. 1 for the first time 🙌
@SerbiaOpen2022 | #SerbiaOpen https://t.co/dGhqiRt1zl
Three days ago, Kojiro, along with his brother, eight-year-old Yunosuke, handed a box of chopsticks and a couple of stuffed toys as gifts to their idol. In a separate video, Novak could be seen opening and appreciating the chopstick set, which bore his name, as well as that of his family.
"That's great. That's beautiful. Thank you very much," said Djokovic.
Present of "Chopsticks and Pikachu" from the Owaki brothers to the @djokernole family🎁🇯🇵
@serbiaopen
#ジョコビッチ
#djokovic
#novakids
#novakdjokovic
#present
#japan
#pokemon
#ポケモン
#ピカチュウ
#pikachu
#尾脇兄弟
#Serbia https://t.co/XvdK9O0dvi
"You are a great champion, a great guy" - Novak Djokovic to Andrey Rublev
Novak Djokovic only had good words to say to opponent Andrey Rublev following his Serbia Open final loss.
During his runner-up speech, Djokovic noted how Rublev was "a great champion and a great guy" and urged him to return to Belgrade next year to defend his title.
"Congratulations. You are a great champion, a great guy. And Belgrade and Serbia love you, so please come back to defend your title," said Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic also extended his congratulations on Instagram and Twitter, saying it was a pleasure to share the court with the Russian.
"Congratulations @andreyrublev, a pleasure to share the court and have you in Belgrade. Thank you to the entire @serbiaopen organization and the fans, family, and players that all made this event so special. See you next year."
Rublev returned the favor by replying with three heart emojis on Djokovic's Instagram post.
WHAT A WIN! 🏆
@AndreyRublev97 beats @DjokerNole 6-2 6-7 (4) 6-0 to win his first title in Belgrade!
@SerbiaOpen2022 | #SerbiaOpen https://t.co/lUbFbuZZuG
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