Tennis legend Novak Djokovic is taking on Jannik Sinner for a place in the Six Kings Slam final, and showed his true colours after a pre-match interview went awry
Novak Djokovic may split opinion, but the 24-time Grand Slam winner can be irresistibly charismatic when he chooses to be.
Just under a day before kicking off his Six Kings Slam campaign in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old went out of his way to grant an interview to a Serbian tennis journalist after a credential mishap prevented her from reaching the Gulf state.
Djokovic had initially planned for an in-person interview, but upon learning of the journalist’s unfortunate situation, he adapted. She emailed her questions, and Djokovic responded with the same enthusiasm and thoroughness he would have offered face-to-face.
“If there’s one thing Novak Djokovic values, it’s effort. And I’m certain he appreciates every bit of commitment to the work you’re passionate about,” the reporter from Serbian outlet Sportal wrote.
Djokovic is set to take on Jannik Sinner in the first of two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam later today (October 17). A win would not only allow him to avenge his loss to the Italian at the Shanghai Masters final three weeks ago but could also pave the way for a potential ‘last dance’ showdown with Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, who revealed last week that he plans to retire after the Davis Cup next month, faces Carlos Alcaraz in the other semi-final. While Alcaraz, 21, is heavily favoured, the 38-year-old Spanish legend holds a winning record against his younger compatriot, with two victories from their three previous matchups.
Djokovic has previously acknowledged that forming a close friendship with Nadal was “impossible” due to their fierce on-court rivalry, though he did mention they used to enjoy dinners together in the past. When asked if he planned to invite Nadal out for a meal while in Riyadh, Djokovic joked: “[Laughs], I’m not sure if it will be possible for us to spend private time together here. But we’ll try to connect, as we’re here for three or four days.”
Djokovic also showered Nadal with praise, calling his career one of the greatest in tennis history. He admitted that he hopes to face Nadal one last time before the 22-time Grand Slam winner retires.
“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 a three-day exhibition tournament featuring six top-tier players. Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Sinner and Alcaraz, while Djokovic and Nadal received byes directly into the semi-finals.
All six participants are guaranteed £1.12 million, with the champion set to claim £4.5 million—the largest prize in tennis history, nearly double what a Grand Slam winner typically earns.
