Novak Djokovic surprises fan with chance meeting in Monte Carlo
A die-hard tennis fan got an unexpected chance to meet her favorite player, Novak Djokovic, during a recent trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Since the 2008 Australian Open, where the Serb won his maiden Grand Slam title, the fan (Instagram id: Racquel_aesthetic_np) has admired Djokovic. Although she knew that the 22-time Grand Slam champion resided in Monte Carlo, she never thought she would get the opportunity to meet him during her trip.
Recalling the encounter on Sunday (April 2), the fan wrote about how she initially thought she'd missed the chance to greet the 35-year-old as he went into a store, leaving her disheartened.
"He was on the phone and was already into the street. I instinctively said his name out loud but he did not hear and within seconds he disappeared into an exclusive building. I was disheartened," the fan wrote on Instagram.
Thankfully, the World No. 1 exited soon after and this time she did not miss the opportunity. Djokovic graciously spoke with her and took a photo, much to her liking.
"Just as I expected, Novak was as warm and inviting as ever. He held his hand out to shake mine and listened to me as I told him what I thought of him and his tennis," she added.
The fan went on to wish the Belgrade native all the best in the upcoming Grand Slams, hoping he can break the tie with Rafael Nadal and lift his 23rd Major this year.
"Next up, French Open then Wimbledon so that you can break this tie and become the undisputed GOAT! Also hopeful that the USA will chill tf out and fix these rules so that you can be back in NY in August," she wrote."Onward and upwards."
Her social media posts about the meeting quickly gained popularity, and the World No. 1's kind demeanor left an impression on many fans.
Novak Djokovic reclaims World No. 1 spot after Carlos Alcaraz fails to defend title at Miami Open
Novak Djokovic has once again reclaimed the top spot in the ATP rankings after Carlos Alcaraz's recent loss to Jannik Sinner at the 2023 Miami Open. The young Spaniard was defending his title in Miami and needed to win the tournament to retain his hold on the World No. 1 position.
The semifinal defeat resulted in Alcaraz losing 640 ranking points, leaving him with only 6,780 points in total. However, Djokovic, who did not compete in the Sunshine Double, retained the top spot with 7,160 points, -- a 400-point lead over Alcaraz. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also has no points to defend at two of the three upcoming majors, giving him an excellent chance of holding onto the position for a significant part of the year.
Alcaraz and Djokovic will both be in action next at the Monte-Carlo Masters as the clay swing kicks on.