Novak Djokovic, the 24-time major winner, has issued a challenge to golfer Rory McIlroy for a tennis match, with the coveted Masters green jacket as a potential prize. This light-hearted proposition followed Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round of Wimbledon.
Djokovic secured his place in the third round by defeating Tsitsipas in straight sets. During the match, he was observed in a relaxed mood, particularly after establishing a two-set lead. This comfort allowed for some playful interactions, including a moment where he joked with a ball kid on court.
On-court antics and Royal Box guests
The Serbian player engaged in a humorous exchange with a ball kid when he sought assistance to adjust what appeared to be sports tape on his shoulder. Handing the ball kid scissors, Djokovic flinched as if he had been nicked, before reassuring her that it was a joke. He later apologised for potentially scaring her, explaining that such jokes tend to surface when he is in a comfortable lead.
The match attracted several notable figures to the Royal Box, including two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy, alongside Justin Rose and Luke Donald. These individuals were part of the Team Europe side that won the Ryder Cup on US soil last year. Djokovic led the crowd in an ovation for McIlroy’s Masters triumph earlier in the season.
Addressing the guests in the Royal Box, Djokovic remarked on his age, stating, “Age is just a number.” He then specifically acknowledged McIlroy’s green jacket, asking, “Rory what a beautiful jacket, is that a Masters jacket? It must be. Round of applause for Rory for Masters please.” He continued, “I want that jacket, I’ll play you – this jacket for that jacket! We play tennis, not golf!”
Djokovic’s Wimbledon campaign continues
Djokovic has been making his own sartorial statement at Wimbledon, wearing a white blazer with green piping, adhering to the club’s dress code. The prospect of McIlroy accepting the challenge for a jacket swap remains to be seen, especially given the prestige associated with the Masters green jacket.
The exact rules of any proposed tennis match between the two would likely influence McIlroy’s decision, with suggestions of formats like the One Point Slam, which was seen in Australia earlier in the year. Djokovic’s victory over Tsitsipas, described as an “almost flawless performance” by 2017 semifinalist Sam Querrey, has propelled him into the third round of Wimbledon.
This win marks Djokovic’s 12th consecutive victory over Tsitsipas. He is now set to face French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech in the next round as he continues his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title.
Other notable winners on the men’s side included top seed Jannik Sinner, who defeated Nuno Borges, and eighth seed Daniil Medvedev, who secured a four-set win against Daniel Merida. Flavio Cobolli, seeded ninth, also advanced by beating Mariano Navone, while Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca overcame Jesper de Jong. American qualifier Michael Zheng and fellow American Tommy Paul also progressed to the third round.
Djokovic’s performance against Tsitsipas, which he won 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just an hour and 38 minutes, was described as “vintage” by the seven-time Wimbledon winner himself.
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Source: tntsports.co.uk