Novak Djokovic might split opinion, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion can be undeniably charming when he wants to be. Less than 24 hours before he was due to compete in the Six Kings Slam event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old went out of his way to conduct an interview with a Serbian tennis reporter after an accreditation mix-up meant she never made it to the Gulf.
Djokovic had agreed to a one-on-one chat, but after realising the predicament his would-be interviewer was in he decided to switch mediums. The stranded journalist sent her questions via email, and Djokovic answered them with as much detail and gusto as he would have in person.
“If Novak Djokovic appreciates something, it’s effort. And I know for sure that he appreciates every moment of dedication to the job you love,” the reporter, from Serbian outlet Sportal, wrote.
Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner in the first of two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam later today (October 17). Victory in the fixture would not only see him avenge his defeat to the Italian in the Shanghai Masters final three weeks ago, but could also potentially set up a ‘last dance’-style clash with Rafael Nadal.
The Spanish legend, who last week announced he’d be retiring after next month’s Davis Cup, is taking on Carlos Alcaraz in the other semi-final. His 21-year-old opponent is heavy favourite to win, but Nadal, 38, has a positive record against his compatriot, with two victories from their three previous encounters.
Djokovic previously admitted it was “impossible” for him to be close friends with Nadal due to their intense on-court rivalrly, though revealed the pair used to go out to dinner together back in the day. When asked if he planned to take the Spaniard out for a meal in Riyadh, Djokovic said: “[Laughs], I’m not sure if it will be possible for him and I to spend time here privately. But we will try to be together, since we are here for three or four days.”
He went on to lavish Nadal with praise, commending him for having one the finest tennis careers in history. He also admitted he’d love to play him one final time before the 22-time Grand Slam champion calls it a day.
“It’s the last time we’re in a tournament format together… Even though I said I’d come and attend his farewell in Malaga in the Davis Cup, I’ll still be in the stands then,” Djokovic said. “It will be a little different here, it would be nice to get a chance to play against each other.
“That would be really special because our rivalry marked an era in tennis,” he added. “In the past 20 years, we have had more matches than any other rival in the history of tennis. I have enormous respect for him, I wish him to retire from tennis in the best possible way, in Spain, with the support of the public that he deserves.”
The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition tournament held across three days featuring six big-name players. Daniil Medvedev and Holder Rune were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Sinner and Alcaraz respectively, with Djokovic and Nadal given byes into the last four.
Each of the six participants are guaranteed to bank £1.12million, with the winner taking home the largest prize in tennis history, £4.5m – almost double the pot for a Grand Slam winner.
