Novak Djokovic surprised everyone, not with his usual amazing moves on the tennis court, but by speaking Mandarin fluently. After Serbia won against China in a United Cup match in Perth on New Year's Day, a journalist asked Djokovic to comfort the Chinese people. The journalist wanted him to send New Year wishes to China because some of his fans there might have been upset about Serbia's win.
Djokovic not only wished Happy New Year in Mandarin but also spoke the language very well, making the entire press room amazed. The journalist praised Djokovic's ability to speak Mandarin, and even Djokovic's teammate Olga Danilovic looked surprised at how well he could speak the foreign language. This interesting moment became one of the standout highlights during the United Cup action in Perth on January 2, Tuesday.
The 36-year-old secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory over China's powerful Zhang Zhizhen, propelling Serbia to a lead in his debut at the United Cup, the yearly mixed-team tournament. Subsequently, China's Zheng Qinwen won against Olga Danilovic with a score of 6-4, 6-2, leveling the score at 1-1. In a decisive move, Djokovic teamed up with Danilovic, clinching a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory against Zheng and Zhang to secure the overall win for Serbia.
A master of languages, Djokovic's proficiency in multiple tongues matches his tennis prowess, particularly his backhand. His ability to communicate in 11 different languages is astounding. Notably, his dedication to language learning and cultural understanding is exemplified by his command of Mandarin, which he has been showcasing since 2013, notably during the Shanghai Masters.
Beyond Mandarin, Djokovic is fluent in Serbian, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, and Japanese. This linguistic versatility enables him to connect with fans and fellow players worldwide, dismantling language barriers and creating a unique bond wherever he competes.
Every year at the French Open, Djokovic's language prowess shines in a heartwarming manner. He charmingly addresses the Parisian crowd in their native French, a gesture that resonates profoundly with the audience and underscores his respect for the host country.
As the Australian Open commences on January 14, Djokovic aims to defend his title. Setting ambitious goals for 2024, he seeks to build on last year's success, where he clinched victory in three out of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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