Novak Djokovic meets Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and her daughter Kamilya after landing in Dubai
Novak Djokovic reunited with Marion Bartoli after landing in Dubai ahead of his appearance at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Bartoli was accompanied by her daughter Kamilya during the meeting.
Bartoli, one of only six players to have won Wimbledon without dropping a set, has been a long-time supporter of Novak Djokovic. The Frenchwoman has often backed Djokovic even when public opinion has swayed against him.
Bartoli hung up her tennis racquet in 2013, and in 2019 she married Belgian footballer Yahya Boumediene. The former World No. 7 gave birth to a baby girl the following year, naming her Kamilya.
in Dubai today 
Novak Djokovic @DjokerNole
with @bartoli_marion & his daughter 💕 in Dubai today 🇦🇪
@DjokerNole @NDjokofan
#DDFTennis #NoleFam
📸:instagram.com/stories/u_penj… https://t.co/vrIIqy98zF
On Friday, Novak Djokovic touched down in the Middle East for his first tournament since his stunning run at the Australian Open, where he won a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.
After spotting Bartoli and Kamilya, the World No. 1 greeted the toddler with an affectionate hug as her mother looked on in delight. Originally posted to Instagram by a fan, the story was also shared by Bartoli on her own handle later.
"I don't have a number until what age I will play professional tennis" - Novak Djokovic
Speaking at a recent press conference, Novak Djokovic revealed that he had no plans to retire just yet. The Serb remarked that he didn't think he should be calling it a day just because he had crossed 30 years of age.
Djokovic also admitted that he had a desire to make even more history, rather than stop at what he has achieved so far. The hunger to win is still there within the 35-year-old, who thinks of it as a 'passion' for the sport.
"From a professional point of view, I have a desire to make more historic results. Some say it's arrogant when I talk openly about it, but I don't think so, I think it's normal. I don't have a number until what age I will play professional tennis," he said.
"Automatically, after the age of 30, people in sports ask these questions, especially in tennis. The hunger is still present, I would characterize it more as a passion for sports and a great desire to compete," Djokovic added.
In Dubai, the World No. 1 is set to take on a qualifier in the first round. The winner of the clash between Tallon Griekspoor and Constant Lestienne would then await him in the second round.
Last year, Djokovic only reached the quarterfinals of the tournament. As a result, he isn't defending a lot of ranking points this time around.