Novak Djokovic’s Explanation of Arguments He Has With His Team During Tennis Matches Leaves Room in Splits: “Who Wants an Apple?”

Novak Djokovic is laser-focused on his first crack at becoming the only man in history to hold 23 Grand Slam titles and he is off to a great start. After a challenging first set against Márton Fucsovics that he won in a tie-breaker, Djokovic made easy work of his Hungarian opponent, claiming the victory 7-6(2), 6-0, 6-3. He has made no qualms admitting his desire to break and make records, and with his greatest rival Rafael Nadal no longer competing in Paris few can really stop him (yes, Carlito, we’re looking at you). The Serbian may have become one of the most brilliant players to ever set foot on a court over the years, but the Djoker in him still crops up every now and then.

During his post-match press conference, Djokovic had a droll response to a question while the journalists guffawed. The response explained so much. His arguments with his team, the perennial confusion in the Serbian’s box with regards to his on court requirements (not tactics, mind you!) as well as magnets that have led to him being labeled the new ‘Iron Man’!

Novak Djokovic does not want apples!

In recent years, Novak Djokovic and controversy haven’t been much of strangers. Be it establishing the breakaway Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), organizing an exhibition at the height of COVID-19, or his refusal to vaccinate, leading to the Australian Open debacle. The controversies have followed the Serbian at the ongoing French Open as well, with Nole writing a politically charged statement on the camera after his first round victory.

Naturally then, his pot-match interviews are loaded with questions targeted towards such controversies. But amidst all this, a journalist had nice question lined up for Nole, asking him what all he seeks from his box when he talks to them during a match. And while the Serb did not really answer the question, he did give everyone a good laugh.

“Bananas, dates and water. I mean I don’t understand. I ask them every time and they don’t understand me. So I show them this (gestures). It means banana, this means date and this means water. And they don’t understand. I don’t need tactics of any kind. What am I going to do with that?”

After a hearty laugh across the room, including from the 22-time Major winner, Novak continues by saying that he and his team decide on the gestures and his team still forgets and doesn’t understand him, sending him apples instead of what he asks for.

“They bring me an apple…Who wants an apple? Then I find a pear but can’t find a date. Unbelievable. Now they’re putting magnets on my body. All sorts of stuff.” 

Nole was clearly in a good mood, riffing with the journalists and why not. After a solid first two rounds, he’ll be getting into his rhythm as he prepares for the battles ahead.

 

Djokovic on what he wants from his team during a match (also mentions the magnet he had under his shirt)
by u/iamtheguy55 in tennis

 

Despite his age, Novak looks fresh and nimble as always. And he could very well be on his way to his 23rd Grand Slam title and third French Open title, which in itself is a massive achievement given that it comes in an era where Nadal has been haunting the clay courts in Paris.