By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 24, 2025
New York –Novak Djokovic It’s not just Grand Slam King – he is a dedicated tennis fan.
38-year-old Serbian superstar, like many tennis fans around the world, celebrated the view of Serena Williams promoting the former rival and now good friend Maria Sharapova In the international tennis fame hall on Saturday night.
Gjokovic was so enlivened by Serena’s watching in Newport’s iconic hall, he took time during his open press conference in the US to issue a challenge for his goat.
Grand Slam champion Djokovic challenged the main title of 23-time Serena Williams, his former Wimbledon dance partner, to make a competitive return in 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Calsht4p0tg
“Of course, seeing serena in whatever form or shape around tennis is great. You know, we miss,” Gjokovic told the media after defeating US student Tien 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2. “She still doesn’t have
officially retired (smiling).
“So I invite her, I challenge her. Because she’s such a great competitor when someone challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena, return to tour next year.”
The owner of the 100 career titles, Gjokovic is a good friend with Sharapova and Williams and said the appearance of former rivals hugging on stage and Serena’s touch for Maria was “a great moment” for both champions and sports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxac46r0d-ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwvkwnd02nc
“It was surprising, but the very beautiful gesture from Serena was there for Maria,” said Gjokovic, who rejoined with other Big 4 Roger Feder icons, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in a powerful Clay King King earlier this season. “They had some really intense rivalries and extraordinary matches over the years.
“But they said it, they were honest that I think during their speeches. Serena I think I mentioned that Maria or people probably think of Serena as one of the last people that would be there to present. But at the same time, after she said in her speech, which I think she beautifully explained, that people thought they were the same in the same differences The same as they wanted the same thing, the same for the same, for the same, for the same, for the same.
“No, it was great. It was great. It was a great moment, and I think Maria deserves it.”
