Watch: Novak Djokovic hilariously attempts to evade his struggle to recall previous Dubai Tennis Championships winners, jokes about a pain in his neck
Novak Djokovic struggled to recall the names of previous Dubai Tennis Championships winners and joked about a neck issue to wrangle his way out of the interview.
The World No. 1 had a tough encounter against Tomas Machac in the first round of the tournament in Dubai. Djokovic's 28 unforced errors and eight double faults coupled with Machac's strong backhand and drop volleys, challenged the Serb and forced him to raise his level to clinch the victory 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1).
In an interview, the Serb was asked to name previous winners at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Djokovic got Andy Murray and Roger Federer correct before he faltered and named Andre Agassi and Tomas Berdych.
The World No. 1 had to be reminded to name himself as well. He then named Barbora Krejcikova, the 2023 women's champion, before joking that he needed to postpone the interview due to pain in his neck.
"Sorry guys, I’ve got a little bit of pain in my neck, can we postpone this interview a little bit?" he joked.
"Sorry guys, I’ve got a little bit of pain in my neck... can we postpone this interview?"👀
Disclaimer: Not @djokernole’s best performance!🤪
#DDFTennis #ATP @atptour https://t.co/gSdlkTUmZ0
Novak Djokovic has won the Dubai Tennis Championships on five previous occasions, with his most recent victory coming in 2020.
Novak Djokovic feels blessed to have achieved his childhood dreams
Novak Djokovic recently surpassed Steffi Graf to become the longest-reigning World No. 1 in tennis history. Tournament organizers in Dubai celebrated the Belgrade native's achievement with a small ceremony at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed that winning Wimbledon and becoming World No. 1 were two childhood dreams he had as a boy in Serbia. He said that he feels fortunate to have achieved both goals multiple times and revealed how he has set new ambitions for himself since then.
“It is very special. As a young boy growing up in Serbia, I dreamt of two things — winning Wimbledon and being No. 1 in the world. I’ve been blessed to achieve both of my childhood dreams, several times, and I guess when that happened, I had to set new goals, new ambitions," the World No. 1 said.
Djokovic expressed his gratitude for being able to continue playing at a high level after so many years. He acknowledged that while tennis is an individual sport, it is still a team and family effort to prepare him to perform at his best. The Serb added that he feels honored to be included among the greatest names in tennis history, including Steffi Graf.
“I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to play at this level after many years. Obviously, It’s a team effort, it’s a family effort, regardless of the fact that this is an individual sport… A lot of hours go into preparing me to be able to perform… I’m flattered and thrilled to be amongst the biggest names this sport has ever had, Steffi Graf being one of them,” he added.
Novak Djokovic will face Tallon Griekspoor in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. The Serb won their lone previous match at the 2021 US Open in straight sets.