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via Imago

via Imago

“In order to prolong my career, I need to enjoy…choose wisely the tournaments I’m going to play,” Novak Djokovic said recently. Perhaps he is looking to let loose at the moment, and his exhibition match at the Postbank Visa Tennis Gala in Sofia, Bulgaria, hints at the same. The amount raised from the exhibition match will aid his opponent at the match, Grigor Dimitrov’s Foundation. Nevertheless, during the clash, the Bulgarian boys, Djokovic and Dimitrov, unleashed an unforgettable spectacle for the crowd, not with their volleys and aces but with their playful display of charisma, leaving fans blushing!

“Reunited with my Bulgarian brother,” Novak Djokovic wrote on his Instagram post! Fans knew it was time for some fun as both Dimitrov and Djokovic appeared in their press conference wearing customized graffiti denim jackets, setting the tone for the entire evening. Moreover, the packed crowd at the event was treated not only to a thrilling display of tennis that ended in Dimitrov’s favor 6-4, 2-6 [10-6] but also to an impromptu performance that stole the spotlight. 

Djokovic, known for his wit and charm, initiated the playful tease, by slowly taking off his t-shirt mid-match and revealing his well-built physique. As the crowd cheered on, Djokovic continued to play with his t-shirt, gesturing the audience to keep cheering. That’s not it! He even did a few pushups to entertain the crowd before changing into a new t-shirt. And then, he ended the show with his iconic gesture of putting his hand on his ear while asking the crowd to cheer on! 

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What followed was a similar display of strip show from Dimitrov, as Djokovic playfully taught the former World No. 3 player how to dance slowly! And then, he took Dimitrov’s t-shirt, folded it carefully, and laid his head on it. Even before the exhibition match, Djokovic, who has a 12-1 lead over Dimitrov, was found in good spirits as he sang a Bulgarian song, “Luda po tebe” (Crazy About You), and posted a video of it on his Instagram, with the caption, “Do you approve @grigordimitrov??” 

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And Dimitrov replied to it by reposting it on his Instagram story with the caption, “Karaoke night is in session. Here we go.” As this entertaining match came to an end, fans might be wondering if he will be back playing in another exhibition match or not! Well, worry not, as Novak Djokovic has opened up on his plans!

Novak Djokovic on his upcoming exhibition match with del Potro!

Later this year, Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Juan Martín del Potro in Argentina during another exhibition match. Moreover, it will be a farewell performance for the 35-year-old Argentinian. Sharing his love and admiration for the South American player, Djokovic said, “We all know the impact that he has left on tennis in general. He has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the last two decades.”

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Furthermore, the former World No. 1 added, “Plus, the charisma, the character-very lovable guy, very likable guy. We’ve seen so much support [for him] around the world, and particularly in his home country, Argentina. So, that should be a great event.” The last time we saw Djokovic play against del Potro was in 2019 during the Italian Open quarterfinals, where Djokovic extended his lead to 16-4 over del Potro. And now Djokovic is looking for another “phenomenal experience,” with the South American player in the farewell match.

However, currently, the talk of the town is Dimitrov and Djokovic’s fun match in Bulgaria. And hopefully, we will witness more such unforgettable moments in the sport!