Watch: Novak Djokovic & son Stefan have fun hit in Mallorca, Stefan uncorks Nadal-like forehand to steal the show
Novak Djokovic recently traded hits with his son Stefan on the grasscourts of Mallorca, where he will feature in the doubles event next week. In a video posted by organizers, the Serb and his six-year-old son can be seen knocking a few balls back and forth.
Many on Twitter pointed out that Stefan's forehand is similar to that of Novak Djokovic's arch-rival Rafael Nadal. The six-year-old Stefan, who is a right-hander, has a lasso-like swing that is reminiscent of Nadal's famous lefty forehand.
Novak Djokovic was visibly amused by his son's forehand during the hit, and even imitated the unique swing after Stefan netted a shot. You can watch the video below:
Given that Rafael Nadal's forehand is widely considered one of the greatest shots in tennis history, Novak Djokovic probably wouldn't mind too much if his son decided to ape the Spaniard's technique.
Djokovic on his part is set to compete in Mallorca this week, but not in singles. The World No. 1 has taken a wildcard into the doubles draw, and it is not known yet who he will be partnering at the ATP 250 event.
Djokovic will also play an exhibition match against Feliciano Lopez before the tournament starts, to mark the inauguration of the Mallorca Country Club.
Novak Djokovic has won 4 of his 5 Wimbledon titles without playing a tune-up event on grass
Novak Djokovic lifted his second Roland Garros trophy on Sunday, becoming the first man in the Open Era to win every Major twice. And given his general form in 2021, the Serb will be heading into next week's Wimbledon Championships as the overwhelming favorite.
Djokovic is a five-time Wimbledon champion, which is the second highest among active players. Interestingly, four of the 34-year-old's titles at SW19 -- 2011, 2014, 2015, 2019 -- came in the years he decided not to play any tune-up events ahead of the grasscourt Slam.
Since 2011, Novak Djokovic has played warm-up events ahead of Wimbledon just twice -- the 2017 Eastbourne International and the 2018 Fever-Tree Championships. Djokovic won the title at Eastbourne in 2017, but ended up losing in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.
The following year, he finished as the runner-up to Marin Cilic at Queen's, but went on to win Wimbledon. The Serb defeated Kevin Anderson in the 2018 final, just one day after getting the better of Rafael Nadal in an epic semifinal.