Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is currently leading the title race with 23 Grand Slams. He was well on his way to his 24th at Wimbledon before his efforts were thwarted. Since, his Wimbledon loss, Djokovic has earned himself a well-deserved break. However, the former world number one is in the news again for a different reason.
In preparation for the last Grand Slam of the year, Novak is set to participate in the Cincinnati Masters. Djokovic was recently spotted enjoying some time with his family, before the start of the North American tours.
Novak has created a buzz among tennis fans, thanks to his new look. Djokovic, who is normally clean-shaven on tours, was seen sporting a beard in his own backyard.
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Paparazzi got in the 🏊♂️ to catch a glimpse at @DjokerNole post-practice today in 😉 pic.twitter.com/N54dnNkv5B
— TRAVEL&Sp🎾rts (@travel__Sports) August 3, 2023
Users immediately noticed a resemblance between him and soccer legend Lionel Messi. “He is more handsome with a beard, he looks like Messi in his ‘beard mode’. It would be good if he kept it for good and never shaved it,” said a fan.
Here are a few other reactions comparing the two GOATS.
Wow 😍😍😍😍 @DjokerNole #messi #djokovic pic.twitter.com/g1uW0PPOBd
— najla (@NajlaAbuHaider) August 3, 2023
Twinning 😎 @DjokerNole and ⚽️🤩🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/rv9qQz2PzN
— TRAVEL&Sp🎾rts (@travel__Sports) August 3, 2023
Not everyone is impressed with the look, however, as some want him to return to his clean-shaven look. We do not know if Djokovic will keep the beard when he travels to the US. Once the tours start, his beard will not be the talking point anymore.
When Novak Djokovic took a hilarious dig at Lionel Messi
Djokovic is very well known for his accomplishments on the court. But the Serbian also has a funny side that comes out when an opportunity arises.
The opportunity presented itself when soccer star Lionel Messi was angry with a player from the Dutch team during the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2022. He was heard saying, “Que miras, bobo? Que miras, bobo? Anda para alla, bobo.”
The Spanish statement roughly means, “What are you looking at, fool? Go away.” Tensions were high during the match and unsavory words were exchanged between teams.
Argentine tennis player Diego Schwartzman recreated the exchange with Djokovic at a gym in Melbourne earlier this year. In the clip, Novak can be seen imitating Messi, while Diego copied Weghorst, the Dutch player with whom Messi had exchanged those heated words.
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Fans were greatly amused and impressed that Djokovic could speak Spanish so clearly. A user commented, “Besides being an outstanding tennis player, Nole handles like 5 languages.”
Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi are two modern-day greats of tennis and soccer, respectively. While Messi won the highest number of Ballon d’Ors and recently the World Cup for Argentina, Djokovic has won the most Grand Slams of any player. Djokovic will now be aiming to win the last Grand Slam of the year.