Novak Djokovic has been pretending to play instruments after winning matches (Image: Tennis TV)
explained his unusual celebrations after beating Gael Monfils to reach the last eight in Brisbane.
The world No. 7 has spend months pretending to play the violin after winning matches. And he threw in another instrument on Thursday, also mimicking playing the saxophone.
Djokovic later revealed who influenced the unique gestures as he made a strong statement about his record in the Queensland city.
Djokovic extended his unbeaten record against Monfils to 20-0 on Thursday, needing 72 minutes to secure a 6-3 6-3 victory. He marked his win with some unusual actions, pretending to play instruments as he soaked up the applause on the Pat Rafter Arena.
The 37-year-old has been joined by his family this week, with wife Jelena and their two children, Tara and Stefan, sitting in the stands for his matches. And Djokovic confessed that his kids were responsible for his gestures.
Asked whether his family had given him any advice, the Serb replied: “Both of my children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations.
“My daughter told me to keep going with violin if I win and my son told me to play the saxophone. So I tried to incorporate both kind of celebrations.”
Novak Djokovic’s family have joined him in Brisbane (Image: Tennis TV)
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Despite being a 10-time champion at the Australian Open, Djokovic also revealed that this is the first time his family has taken the trip to join him Down Under. He continued: “It’s the first time for me to have my family here Down Under.
“It’s a very long trip but they came here to be with me, to support me, spending a lot of great quality time together off the court. My heart is full and it allows me to play my best tennis.”
The 37-year-old arrived in Brisbane looking refreshed and motivated after ending his 2024 season in October. Although he didn’t win any Majors last year, he got his hands on the one title that always evaded him, an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic has completed the sport, winning trophies at every level – Grand Slams, the ATP Finals, Masters 1000s, ATP 500s and 250s and now the Olympics. But there’s one title he still wants to get his hands on.
“I never won Brisbane International,” Djokovic smiled when quizzed about his motivation. “It’s true! Hopefully, this is the year, that’s why I’m here.
“I played only a couple of times. I think I played the tournament long ago, probably in 2009, and I played with the Serbian team in the ATP Cup, probably four or five years ago.
“I haven’t played too many times but every time I’ve played it was in front of a packed stadium of very passionate tennis fans. I want to thank you.”
Djokovic will now face big-serving, 6’11 Reilly Opelka, who recently returned from a two-year injury layoff. “My gosh, I’m going to have to probably step back a few steps for that first serve,” he laughed.