WATCH: Novak Djokovic challenges Neymar

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Novak Djokovic’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia extended well beyond the Six Kings Slam, the high-profile exhibition tournament held in Riyadh, which awarded participants with unprecedented prize money for an exhibition event. After competing in this tennis showcase, Djokovic didn’t leave Riyadh immediately; instead, he made headlines off the court, taking part in a friendly but competitive quiz with Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar. Neymar, currently playing for Al Hilal in the Roshn Saudi League, joined Djokovic in a video challenge published on Al Hilal’s social media channels. The two international icons tested their knowledge of each other’s careers in a lively game that had fans laughing and cheering.

The video captured an enjoyable exchange between the Serbian tennis champion and the Brazilian soccer ace, with Djokovic proudly donning an Al Hilal scarf to show support for Neymar’s team. As they tackled the quiz questions, both stars surprised fans with their knowledge, showing mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s achievements. Neymar, known for his charisma and sense of humor, answered questions about Djokovic’s career, including his hometown, the number of Grand Slam titles he has won, and his top rivals on the tennis court. He demonstrated an impressive understanding of Djokovic’s accomplishments, even though one question stumped him. When asked to name the tournament Djokovic has won multiple times in Australia, Neymar answered “Sydney” instead of “Melbourne,” where the Australian Open is held—a misstep that had Djokovic and the audience laughing.

When it was Djokovic’s turn to face the pressure, he also joked about feeling nervous under the spotlight but quickly showed his knowledge of Neymar’s career, accurately recounting the Brazilian’s Champions League wins, jersey numbers, and even the number of goals he scored for the Brazilian national team. The playful contest was not only entertaining for fans but also highlighted the camaraderie and respect between athletes from different sports, showcasing how universal admiration can bridge the worlds of tennis and soccer. The exchange delighted fans across social media, further boosting Djokovic’s popularity in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

This moment of lighthearted fun provided a welcome respite for Djokovic, who has faced a busy season and recently announced he will not defend his title at the Paris Rolex Masters this year. The decision to skip the final ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy indicates that Djokovic might be winding down his season earlier than expected, fueling speculation about his plans for the year’s remaining events. With this announcement, Djokovic will forgo defending the 1,000 ranking points he earned from winning the Paris title in 2023, potentially impacting his standing, though he has repeatedly stressed that rankings are no longer a priority in his career.

Following the news of his withdrawal from Paris-Bercy, Djokovic took to social media to address his fans and express gratitude for their support. In an Instagram story, he acknowledged his past success at the event and hinted at a possible return in the future. “Unfortunately, I will not be playing the Rolex Paris Masters this year,” Djokovic wrote. “I apologize to everyone who was hoping to see me play there. I wish all the players, sponsors, organizers, and fans a great tournament. I have so many great memories after winning the title seven times, and I hope to return next year.”

Despite the change in plans, Djokovic’s strong performance throughout the season has put him in a favorable position in the Race to Turin. He currently sits in sixth place, and his rivals, such as Casper Ruud, have struggled to gain ground in recent tournaments. This puts Djokovic in a likely position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, though his participation remains uncertain. Serbian journalist Saša Ozmo reported that Djokovic has prioritized his health and conditioning over chasing ranking points or additional titles. According to Ozmo, Djokovic’s focus now is on preparing for a competitive 2024 season, which means he may choose to end this year early, skipping both Paris and Turin if necessary.

Meanwhile, Djokovic took a moment to share a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, who is nearing the end of his own illustrious career. Reflecting on their journey, Djokovic expressed appreciation for their enduring rivalry and the unforgettable matches they’ve shared. Speaking at the Six Kings Slam, Djokovic acknowledged Nadal’s impact on his career: “Rafa, I don’t know where to start. I go back to the first match I played against you in Paris in 2006. Who would have said that after 20 years we would still be here. You are an incredible athlete and person, and I respect you a lot.” Djokovic’s comments underscored the deep respect and sportsmanship that has characterized his rivalry with Nadal, a relationship that has defined one of the greatest eras in tennis history.

Djokovic’s recent activities in Saudi Arabia, including his participation in the Six Kings Slam and his lighthearted showdown with Neymar, have highlighted his evolving role as an ambassador for tennis and sport more broadly. By engaging with fans in a new environment, Djokovic is expanding his influence and connecting with a global audience, further cementing his legacy as one of the most recognized and celebrated figures in sports. His participation in events like the Six Kings Slam also aligns with the recent trend of high-profile athletes, particularly soccer players, signing with Saudi clubs or attending sporting events in the region. Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in sports has made the country a new hub for elite athletes, and Djokovic’s presence signals tennis’s increasing prominence on this global stage.

With the tennis season nearing its close, Djokovic’s future remains partially uncertain, especially with the ATP Finals in Turin just around the corner. Whether or not he competes in Turin, Djokovic’s 2023 season has been one for the history books, marked by his record-breaking 24th Grand Slam victory at the U.S. Open and his resilience in facing fierce competition. As he takes a well-earned break, Djokovic has left his mark on Riyadh, not just as a champion on the court but as a sports personality who embraces every opportunity to entertain and engage his global fan base.

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