As the clay season dawned on April 7, 2025, Novak Djokovic, the tennis titan with a trophy cabinet bursting at the seams, found himself in Monte-Carlo, not just to chase his elusive 100th ATP title, but to sprinkle a bit of charm and humor into the pre-tournament buzz. The 37-year-old Serbian, fresh off a runner-up finish in Miami, sat down for an interview that veered delightfully off-script, offering a glimpse into the lighter side of a man often seen as a relentless competitor. With the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters looming, Djokovic dished out dating advice with the same precision he brings to his backhand, leaving fans and reporters chuckling in delight.
The setting was picturesque—Monte-Carlo’s sun-drenched courts framed by the Mediterranean, a perfect backdrop for Djokovic’s return to clay after a hard-court season that saw him fall just short of a milestone victory. Having lost the Miami Open final to the teenage phenom Jakub Mensik, Djokovic arrived in Monaco with a blend of determination and levity. His quest for that 100th title, a feat that would place him among legends like Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, remains tantalizingly close. Yet, it was his off-court wit that stole the show in the days leading up to his opening match.
When the conversation turned to life beyond the baseline, Djokovic didn’t hesitate to play along. Asked for dating advice—a question that caught him mid-sip of water—he grinned and leaned into the moment. “The perfect line?” he mused, pausing for effect. “Hey, you’re the only one I wouldn’t grunt at on the court!” The room erupted in laughter, the quip a playful nod to his infamous on-court vocalizations that have both irked opponents and endeared him to fans. It was a masterstroke of self-awareness, delivered with a twinkle in his eye, proving that even a 24-time Grand Slam champion can poke fun at himself.
Djokovic’s humor wasn’t just a one-off. He elaborated, painting a picture of courtship with a tennis twist. “You’ve got to keep it smooth, you know? Maybe say something like, ‘Are you a tennis ball? Because my heart’s bouncing for you,’” he added, his Serbian accent wrapping the words in an extra layer of charm. The lines, cheesy yet endearing, showcased a side of Djokovic rarely seen amid the intensity of match point rallies. Here was a man who, despite the weight of a storied career, could still serve up a laugh as effortlessly as an ace.
This lighthearted exchange came at a pivotal moment. Djokovic’s 2025 season had been a mixed bag—semifinals at the Australian Open, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but no ATP title since the 2023 ATP Finals. The Miami final had been a gut punch, with Mensik’s fearless play denying him that century mark. Yet, in Monte-Carlo, he seemed reinvigorated. “The performances in Miami, when I’m playing that way, it gives me more inspiration to keep going,” he reflected, his tone shifting to one of quiet resolve. The clay courts of Monaco, where he’s triumphed twice before, offer a fresh canvas to reclaim his dominance.
His campaign won’t be a cakewalk. A potential second-round clash with Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner and clay-court maestro, looms large. The draw also pits him against a field stacked with talent—Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Britain’s Jack Draper among them. Djokovic, seeded third, will lean on his brother Marko for support, with coach Andy Murray absent until the Madrid Open. “My brother Marko was able to join me, so that helps me on a different level emotionally,” he shared, hinting at the familial bond bolstering his spirits.
As the tournament kicks off, Djokovic’s dating quips linger like a well-placed drop shot—unexpected, delightful, and perfectly timed. They remind us that beneath the steely focus lies a man who revels in the game of life as much as the game on court. Whether he’s wooing the crowd with humor or chasing history with his racket, Djokovic’s Monte-Carlo story is one to watch, a blend of heart, hustle, and a little bit of hilarity