'What a champion': Novak Djokovic's 'amazing' act for young fans
World No.1 Novak Djokovic may have come under fire recently for his ‘wish-list’ for players in strict quarantine, but the 17-time Grand Slam champ showed his class with a lovely gesture to two budding young tennis fans.
Djokovic made headlines after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews categorically ruled out making changes to rules for Australian Open players in Melbourne, following a list of requests from the World No.1.
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Despite drawing the ire of the Australian public, Djokovic has gone about his daily quarantine life and even provided to young fans with a beautiful moment they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Djokovic watched and applauded to young fans who had set up outside his apartment and started a game of tennis.
The pair rallied on the road, which prompted the World No.1 to watch on from his balcony and chat with the youngsters.
The footage prompted many to praise Djokovic during a difficult period for tennis stars in Australia.
. @DjokerNole watching @ahilios 's son practice in the street from fans perspective ❤ #adelaide #nolefam
Via jaspreet_singh1994 IG pic.twitter.com/HAMlzpIZdi— NovakDjokovicFanClub (@NovakFanClub) January 19, 2021
Absolutely amazing ☺️❤️🔥
— Julie 🇫🇷🇬🇧 (@NDjokofan) January 19, 2021
Novak Djokovic makes two young boys dreams come true. https://t.co/7eVTgIqb72
— TennisHandicapper (@TennisHandicap1) January 19, 2021
There was a boy playing tennis outside @DjokerNole’s hotel & what did Novak do? He stopped what he was doing, watched & applauded.
He helps his peers (because YES, some suggestions actually got done! 😉), he loves his fans...What a champion 😘 @NovakFanClub
📸: Profimedia pic.twitter.com/u0AvovsntH— Julie 🇫🇷🇬🇧 (@NDjokofan) January 19, 2021
TA boss hits back at Aus Open players
Following a list of requests from leading star Djokovic and a host of other players complaining about the situation on social media, Tiley insisted all players had been made aware of the potential requirement.
“There have been accusations that players didn’t know – that’s simply not true.” Tiley said.
“We had conversations...and we made everyone very aware of what the situation would be.
“Often when you communicate that and someone has never experienced that, it may be brushed off,” Tiley said.
“Some players were very aware of it and some players were not...which may be a function of what they understood or what their perception was.
“They’ve had very different experiences with different cities around the world.”
The tournament remains slated to begin on February 8.
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