Novak Djokovic dealt with a heckler at the Australian Open in a playful and creative manner, acknowledging his marriage but humorously offering to go out for a drink with the fan.
After defeating Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the round of 16, Djokovic stayed on court for an interview with Andrea Petkovic. However, a loud spectator interrupted, yelling from the stands.
Djokovic responded with a quick-witted comment: “Sorry mate, I have a wife. We can have a drink though. Maybe you’ve had a few already?”
The 37-year-old then amusingly noted that he recognized the heckler as the same person who had been shouting at him throughout the match.
“Him and I were going back and forth for quite a while actually,” Djokovic explained, before Petkovic jokingly interjected, “Should we set up a date?”
Djokovic laughed and reiterated his offer: “Listen, I’m happy to have a drink with him now that the match is over. We can nicely reflect on what we’ve said to each other during the match… What were we even talking about?”
Djokovic set to face in-form Jiri Lehecka next
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face 29th-ranked Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Lehecka earned his spot by defeating Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets.
This will be their second meeting, with their first encounter taking place at the 2024 United Cup, where Lehecka managed to take a set off the Serbian legend before Djokovic ultimately secured a 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-1 victory.
While Djokovic is favored to win, Lehecka has been in excellent form in 2025, boasting an 8-0 record after winning the Brisbane International and his first three matches in Melbourne. The young Czech could prove to be a tough opponent for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
