Novak Djokovic has been focusing on spending fun time off the court this season. It is his 21st season on the ATP tour, and he has made sure to take enough rest. Djokovic last played at the Australian Open, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. He will next play at Indian Wells and participate in Desert Smash, where Hollywood celebrity Charlize Theron played with him.
The celebrity charity event celebrated its 20th anniversary. Djokovic was teamed up with Theron and played mixed doubles. Although Theron hosted the event, she could not do much on the court. Djokovic was seen running up and down the court as he was covering the baseline. The actress enjoyed the match and was found laughing at Djokovic while waiting for a volley at the net.
Nole is a guarantee of attraction and fun. Charlene made him run a lot in their match 😅He is always available at charity events.❤️ pic.twitter.com/m5OhLjs847 https://t.co/vHgt8VOXjk
— ᖴᖇᗩᑎI (@frani2312) March 6, 2024
The Serbian said, “Charlize Theron made me work today, she made me run, but that was part of the strategy I guess, right? You’re there at the net, you’re looking good and I am running.” Djokovic has been part of Desert Smash for a long time.
The charity event was held at the La Quinta Resort and Club. The event also featured Frances Tiafoe, Casper Ruud, Ons Jabeur, Gavin Rossdale, and Yvonne Orji on the court. Desert Smash this year focused on the “Charlie Theron Africa Outreach Project.” Djokovic thanked the event organizers at the end of the match and will now prepare for Indian Wells.
Novak Djokovic is chasing a historic career win record at Indian Wells
The 2024 Indian Wells will see Djokovic playing at the event for the first time since 2019. It will be his 15th appearance at the event. The world No.1 has won 50 matches at Indian Wells and has won five titles so far. Only Djokovic and Roger Federer have won five titles at Indian Wells. He could also beat Federer’s record of being the oldest champion when he won the title at 35 years old in 2017.
The 36-year-old is also in line to become the third player on the ATP tour after Jimmy Connors and Federer to win 1,100 career matches. Djokovic has won 1094 matches so far and could reach the milestone if he wins the title at Indian Wells. He had last won the title in 2016 while defeating Milos Raonic in the final. Raonic could only win two games in a match that ended in 78 minutes.
The 24-time grand slam champion will play his first match at Indian Wells on 9 March. Djokovic received a bye in the opening round. He will face the winner between Aleksandar Vukic and Shintaro Mochizuki. The fans will be excited to see Djokovic back on the courts after a month. He will be eager to win his first title of the season.