In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic captivated spectators – not with his on-court prowess – but with his remarkable fluency in Mandarin. The incident unfolded on New Year’s Day in Perth when a journalist requested Djokovic to extend New Year wishes to China following Serbia’s victory over the country in a United Cup 2024 game.
Djokovic, seizing the opportunity, not only conveyed his New Year greetings but also astounded the entire press room by speaking Mandarin fluently. The journalist praised Djokovic’s linguistic proficiency, while teammate Olga Danilovic expressed surprise at the Serb’s mastery of the foreign language. This captivating moment emerged as a highlight of Tuesday’s United Cup action in Perth.
Making his debut in the United Cup, Djokovic secured a lead for Serbia by defeating China’s Zhang Zhizhen with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-2. Although China’s Zheng Qinwen later leveled the score at 1-1 by defeating Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2, Djokovic returned to partner Danilovic. Together, they clinched a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory against Zheng and Zhang.
Known for his linguistic versatility, Djokovic’s command of multiple languages is as impressive as his tennis skills. Fluent in 11 different tongues, including Mandarin, he has been captivating Chinese fans since 2013, showcasing his language skills during events like the Shanghai Masters.
Djokovic’s multilingual abilities extend beyond Mandarin, encompassing Serbian, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, and Japanese. This polyglot prowess allows him to connect with fans and players globally, breaking down barriers and fostering unique connections wherever he competes.
An annual display of Djokovic’s language skills occurs at the French Open, where he delights the Parisian crowd by addressing them in their native French. This gesture resonates deeply with the audience and exemplifies his respect for the host country.
Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to defend his Australian Open title, commencing on January 14. Having secured three out of the four Grand Slams last year, he has set ambitious goals for 2024, marking another chapter in his illustrious career.
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