Paris was ablaze with euphoria on May 31, 2025, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a stunning 5-0 rout of Inter Milan in Munich. Amid this citywide jubilation, tennis icon Novak Djokovic, fresh off a commanding third-round victory at Roland Garros, embraced the festive spirit by making a special appearance at PSG’s trophy ceremony at the Parc des Princes. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, balanced his French Open campaign with an unforgettable night celebrating alongside PSG’s fervent supporters, showcasing his deep connection to the city’s sporting culture.
Djokovic’s third-round match against Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic on Court Philippe-Chatrier was a masterclass in precision, with the three-time Roland Garros champion securing a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win without dropping a set. Yet, the atmosphere was electric for reasons beyond tennis. Just blocks away, PSG’s historic triumph unfolded, and the crowd at Roland Garros, glued to their phones, erupted with each goal. “The crowd was really following the game, and I could hear when they scored. It was way too many times that they were celebrating,” Djokovic said with a grin, noting the frequent roars that punctuated his match. “I was like, ‘This is a lot of goals from Paris, what’s going on?’” The fireworks from the nearby Parc des Princes added to the surreal ambiance, blending tennis and football fervor in a uniquely Parisian moment.
Despite his playful plea to avoid the night session to watch the final—“It’s going to be PSG that I will support. I will definitely watch it if I’m not playing night session,” he had said after his second-round win over Corentin Moutet—tournament director Amelie Mauresmo scheduled him for 8:15 p.m., clashing with the match’s kickoff. “I don’t know if it was good for me to get this scheduled slot, because it was interesting,” Djokovic reflected, embracing the chaos with humor. Post-match, he seized the chance to join PSG’s celebrations, a move that endeared him to fans. “It’s going to be quite a journey, quite an adventure, but I think we are in for a long celebration and probably not much sleep tonight,” he added, capturing the city’s electric mood. “It’s a fun night to be in Paris, I guess.”
Djokovic’s appearance at the Parc des Princes, where nearly 50,000 fans gathered to watch the final on giant screens, was a highlight of the night. His presence, alongside PSG stars like Ousmane Dembélé, who had visited Roland Garros earlier in the week, underscored the synergy between Paris’s sporting spectacles. “I come from Serbia, where football is the No. 1 sport, so I always follow it closely,” Djokovic shared, revealing his lifelong passion for the game. His visit, documented in social media posts, showed him beaming amid the sea of red and blue, soaking in the historic moment as PSG lifted the coveted trophy.
On the court, Djokovic’s performance was as dominant as ever. Against Misolic, ranked No. 153 and playing only his second Grand Slam, Djokovic converted three of ten break points, struck 33 winners against just 14 unforced errors, and saved the sole break point he faced. The victory marked his 99th match win at Roland Garros, tying his Australian Open record and bringing him within one win of a historic milestone. “There’s always something to improve. Something to get better at. But overall, I have to be pleased with the level of tennis so far,” he said, eyeing his next challenge against Cameron Norrie in the fourth round, where he holds a 5-0 head-to-head lead.
The city’s celebrations, however, were not without challenges. With 5,400 police deployed and an extra metro line opened to manage the crowds, Paris buzzed with energy but also saw post-match disorder, including nearly 500 arrests and injuries. Djokovic, unfazed, embraced the chaos as part of the adventure. “I don’t know how we’re gonna all go back to our hotels!” he quipped, anticipating a sleepless night. His recent adventures in Paris, including a daring bike ride through the city’s chaotic roundabouts—“It was quite an adrenaline experience but I don’t think I will repeat that,” he had said after his second-round win—further showcased his love for the city’s vibrant spirit.
As Djokovic prepares for his fourth-round clash, his ability to balance Grand Slam aspirations with Paris’s football fever highlights his charisma and resilience. With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz looming as potential semifinal and final opponents, his quest for a fourth Roland Garros title remains daunting. Yet, his celebratory detour to the Parc des Princes, where he joined PSG’s historic moment, proves that even amid a high-stakes tournament, Djokovic knows how to seize the day—and night—in Paris.
🔴 Victoire du #PSG : Grosse ambiance au Parc des princes.
👉 Novak Djokovic s’ambiance sur du Niska et DJ Snake pour célébrer le titre du club parisien. (L’Équipe) #LDC pic.twitter.com/hDUlHFLEHt
— FLASH INFO Ile-de-France (@info_Paris_IDF) June 1, 2025
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