Novak Djokovic poses with Tom Brady & Andy Garcia as he attends Real Madrid vs Barcelona despite Madrid Open withdrawal; receives personalized jersey
Novak Djokovic was all smiles as he enjoyed the blockbuster La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona alongside NFL legend Tom Brady and actor Andy Garcia on Sunday, April 21.
Despite his recent withdrawal from the 2024 Madrid Open, Djokovic traveled to the Spanish capital for the El Clasico between Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Serb, an avid football fan and supporter of Italian club AC Milan, switched his loyalties to Real Madrid for the game.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to social media and shared a glimpse of the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium as fans engaged in passionate chants in the background. He also posed alongside Tom Brady and Andy Garcia at the game.
Alongside Brady and Garcia, the World No. 1 also received a personalized Real Madrid jersey from Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.
The Serb witnessed an incredible spectacle as the two rivals went toe-to-toe in an incredible showdown. With the game heading toward a 2-2 draw, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham scored a stunning goal in the first minute of stoppage time to secure a dramatic win for his team.
With the triumph, Real Madrid extended their lead over Barcelona in La Liga to 11 points with six games remaining.
Novak Djokovic: "I learnt from Tom Brady, hopefully, I can have a career that goes up to 40 and maybe even beyond"
Novak Djokovic's camaraderie with Tom Brady at the La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona comes as no surprise, as the duo share a close friendship.
The NFL legend sat in the Serb's player box during his 2023 French Open triumph and also introduced his children to the World No. 1 after his semifinal win at the US Open last year.
Djokovic has expressed his admiration for Brady's incredible 23-season tenure in the NFL before his retirement at the age of 44. The 36-year-old opened up about his desire to emulate Brady's longevity, aiming to extend his own career into the 40s.
"Why stop when you are still playing great? So I will keep going. I know (Tom Brady) personally as well, and I learnt from him, from his example, and, hopefully, I can have a career that goes up to 40 and maybe even beyond, let's see," he said.
Ahead of his 2024 season, the Serb emphasized that he's not considering retirement, especially after enjoying one of his career-best seasons in 2023.
"I feel great in my own body right now, and I have been playing some really high quality tennis. 2023 was one of my best seasons I've had in my life, and why stop while you're still playing great. I will take it one by one and see how far I go," he added.