What’s tennis without a little fun and friendly banter? That’s why Novak Djokovic’s charity event, ‘A Night with Novak,’ is so popular among fans and stars alike. Its third edition on Thursday featured lighthearted moments between Djokovic and his partner, Qinwen Zheng, as they faced off against Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka. While the Serb aims for his 100th title this season, he cherishes the memory of winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, only to be met with a witty remark from Zheng.

At the Rod Laver Arena during a changeover, Djokovic and Zheng were caught in a playful conversation. A user on X shared their banter as Qinwen complimented Novak on his tennis kit bag. Then Novak replied, “you like the bag?” and asked, “Where is your gold medal?”

Zheng replied that she didn’t bring it this time. Naturally, Zheng doesn’t have her gold medal with her; it’s probably safe back home. Djokovic quipped, “Didn’t take it?” to which Zheng playfully responded, “Only you bring it everywhere.”

Last year, Djokovic clinched his gold medal in August against Carlos Alcaraz, while Zheng also won her first Olympic gold by defeating Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3. This victory made her the first Chinese woman to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis, helping China tie with the U.S. for the most gold at the Paris Games.

Having dubbed his Olympic win as the “greatest achievement,” it makes sense that Novak carries that sentiment with him. He defended himself, saying, “That’s the number one rule of being an Olympic gold medalist.”

Despite his 2024 struggles of going titleless for the first time since 2005, Djokovic, according to Qinwen, is eager to remind everyone of his Olympic gold medal – a title that will forever remain his. Speaking at the China Open, the local hero claimed: “I think this is a very funny story. People talk about Djokovic taking his gold medal everywhere he goes.”

“It’s really funny that he has the gold medal here. He actually invited me to the Great Wall, but because of the schedule, I couldn’t be there.” She continued: “I think, indeed, the gold medal brings me a lot of energy, just like Djokovic. He has the gold medal everywhere he goes, from Europe to the U.S. and all the way to China. Of course, the gold medal brought him a lot of great energy. I did not have the chance to take a picture with his gold medal. I really wish I could practice with him with his gold medal.”

Additionally, in a recent interview with GQ Sports, Djokovic showcased his gold medal, confirming Zheng’s observation about him carrying it everywhere. He explained how essential this achievement is to him after five attempts to win it. “I do keep carrying it with me for months and months after winning it,” he admitted.

While this medal is something he can’t leave home without, he also opened up about experiencing “separation anxiety” when away from his wife and kids earlier this month.

Djokovic expresses his feelings about being away from his family while on tour

The Olympic gold medalist discussed the challenges he faces while touring, highlighting his devotion to his wife and children. As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Australian Open, he reflects on the difficulty of leaving them behind with GQ Magazine, stating, “Every time you have to separate with your kids and your wife, there’s a lot of tears involved. It’s not easy.”

Starting his season at the Brisbane International, Djokovic reached the quarterfinals before losing to Reilly Opelka. After defeating Gael Monfils in the Round of 16, he expressed joy at having his family in the stands, saying, “It allows me, first of all, to not feel the guilt that I’m so far away for such a long time.”

However, due to work commitments and their children’s schooling, his wife Jelena often stays home when he’s on tour. Reflecting on his feelings during those initial nights alone in a hotel, he admitted, “I feel the most intensity of those emotions, of sadness, of separation, of regret.”

The Serb strives to be present for important family moments but often misses significant events like his daughter Tara’s birthday since it usually falls during the US Open. Nonetheless, his family sometimes joins him on tour to ease the distance. Currently in Melbourne for the Australian Open, could their presence boost his confidence and clinch the coveted 25th Grand Slam title?