Novak Djokovic’s keep in Saudi Arabia continued past The Six Kings Slam, an exhibition match held in Riyadh that provided members the richest prize cash ever. The Serbian legend was additionally a protagonist off the court docket, participating in a quiz wherein the previous ATP no 1 challenged Brazilian soccer star Neymar, at present signed to Al Hilal, a workforce within the Roshn Saudi League.
Within the enjoyable video revealed on Al Hilal’s social media channels, Djokovic wore the Rihad membership’s scarf and gave life, along with the Brazilian ace, to a hilarious problem, with smiles and hugs, each demonstrating a wonderful information of one another’s achievements. A moderately demanding problem for the 2 stars, known as upon to reply some questions referring to the challenger’s profession. The South American striker accurately answered questions on Nole’s hometown, the variety of Slams and Olympic medals he has gained and his greatest rivals, whereas when requested concerning the main wherein the Serbian has gained greater than as soon as (Australian Open in Melbourne), his reply was Sydney, amidst Nole’s laughter.
Two legends !!@neymarjr ⚽️ 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 🎾 @DjokerNole #neymar #neymarjr #djokovic
📸 @Alhilal_FC pic.twitter.com/ikfAQprQVz
— Neymar Jr Web site (@NeymarJrSite) October 18, 2024
“I really feel quite a lot of strain,” joked Djokovic when it was time to reply. The Serbian did properly anyway, recalling the variety of Champions Leagues gained by Neymar, the jerseys he wore in his profession, the matches he performed earlier than turning skilled and the variety of targets he scored together with his nationwide workforce. A problem between two sports activities stars that entertained the protagonists and customers on social media. A second of off-court enjoyable for the Serbian champion, who in current days introduced his withdrawal from the final ATP Masters 1000 of the 12 months, in Paris-Bercy, a match wherein he was defending the title he gained final 12 months. The Serbian can be unsure for the ATP Finals in Turin, together with his tennis season subsequently presumably already over early.
The 2 sports activities stars challenged one another with a sequence of questions on one another’s careers
As simply talked about, in actual fact, Djokovic is not going to take part within the Paris Rolex Masters. The information was launched just a few days in the past, however the Serbian champion – after formally canceling himself from the French occasion – needed to jot down a message to his followers opening as much as the potential of enjoying the match subsequent 12 months. A alternative that sends a transparent sign in view of this finish of the season. No matter what the Race to Turin will say, the Serbian champion might in actual fact skip the Nitto ATP Finals even within the case – nonetheless very seemingly – wherein he qualifies. Djokovic is at present sixth within the Race and his direct rivals will not be, a minimum of to date, acquiring nice outcomes and convincing. Casper Ruud, for instance, left Basel instantly.
By a narrative revealed on his Instagram account, Djokovic recalled the historic victories achieved within the match and wrote: “Sadly, I cannot be enjoying the Rolex Paris Masters this 12 months. I apologize to everybody who hoped to see me play there. I want all of the gamers, sponsors, organizers and followers an amazing match. I’ve so many nice recollections after successful the title seven occasions and I hope to return subsequent 12 months.”
Nevertheless, the information had already leaked just a few days in the past. Sportklub had already revealed that Nole had determined to not take part within the French match, thus shedding the 1000 factors earned final 12 months. On the identical time, it ought to be reiterated that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has repeatedly confused that the rating now not issues to him and that the tennis participant has different priorities. The Serbian tennis participant has determined to skip the French match and focus immediately on ending the season in the absolute best method, as confirmed by Serbian journalist SasĂ Ozmo. So every part is confirmed, Paris Bercy is not going to have the reigning champion and Nole will attempt to end the season in Turin the place he’ll almost certainly be among the many 8 candidates for the ultimate victory of the match.
Within the meantime, Djokovic, just a few days in the past on the Six Kings Slam, had spent good phrases for his rival Rafael Nadal, on the finish of his profession: “I thank those that organized this occasion, it was a rare expertise. Thanks for inviting us, we performed in entrance of an amazing crowd. Thanks for the respect and help you gave us. Rafa, I do not know the place to start out. I’m going again to the primary match I performed towards you in Paris in 2006. Who would have mentioned that after 20 years we might nonetheless be right here. You might be an unimaginable athlete and individual, I respect you numerous.”
Wishing our 7-time champion to be again on court docket quickly 🙌 #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/PKdhe8y4kG
— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 23, 2024
🇷🇸 Il messaggio di Novak #Djokovic in cui comunica il forfait a Parigi Bercy 👇
IG 📸 @DjokerNole #tennis | #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/psagdzk80i
— Luca Fiorino (@FiorinoLuca) October 23, 2024
