Novak Djokovic captured headlines by appearing at the Rugby World final alongside celebrities like Rita Ora, Roger Federer, Jason Momoa and others.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion drew a big cheer from the fans as he was spotted in the stands as an interested spectators in a South Africa vs. New Zealand championship match. Following a nail-biting contest, the Springboks defeated All Blacks to become the Champions.
Djokovic was sighted chatting with British singer and songwriter Rita Ora during the intense final of the world cup that started in early September and lived up to its hype before the perfect conclusion.
It is not clear how much Djokovic likes the Brutishness of Ruby as he has not spoken about the sport but he did spoke about his passion to play and watch sports other than tennis.
The ATP World No.1 took part in a star-studded golf contest ahead of Ryder Cup as he took a respite from tennis. Djokovic it seems is trying to embrace as many sport as he could after his attendance at the Rugby world cup in Paris.
“I did try to use my free time to play golf, to follow other sports, as well,” he told the media in Paris.
“I’m a big fan of basketball. So I followed all the Belgrade club matches. As far as golf is concerned, I’m not at the same level as tennis, definitely (smiling).
“But I made most of my free time, I have to say. I made sure to have some quality time with my family. Over the last three weeks I have practiced a lot, I have done a lot of physical preparation to make sure that I was ready for the end of the season, added the legendary Serbian.
“The work that we have done over the last month was aiming at making me more precise, more accurate, because I knew that I didn’t have so much time afterwards for the end of the season. So I’m quite satisfied with all these weeks of free time that I spent.
But tennis, I’m missing tennis, you know. I’m missing competitions, as well. Especially here in Paris. I can feel the support. And I think that I can deliver here.”
Djokovic was a close friend of LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant prior to tragic death in a helicopter crash and also maintains good friendships with soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NFL star Tom Brady outside the professional tennis tour.
“I try to maintain and nurture relationships with athletes from different sports because, as an athlete, of course I relate to them, I identify myself with what they are doing, and. I can understand the pain, the sacrifice, the dedication,” said the 36-year old last month.
“I respect the greatness, especially the guys that have made it to an all-time great level in their respective sports.
“Those are the kind of people that you want to be around. You want to learn things from them because you never know, there are things that can be so inspirational.”
Djokovic is in Paris to participate in the impending Paris Masters 1000 where he was a finalist last year.