Novak Djokovic confesses he's had 'plenty of chocolate' since beating Rafael Nadal in 2012 Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic has admitted to having a lot of chocolate since beating Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final.

On Tuesday (January 2), Djokovic beat Jiri Lehecka to continue his perfect start to the 2024 season and his debut United Cup campaign Down Under. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the World No. 1.

After leading 6-1, 3-1, Djokovic's level dropped and Lehecka took the set in a tiebreak to force a decider. Following a medical timeout - which the Serb said was not serious - normal service resumed. He eventually sealed victory in a little over two hours on RAC Arena.

Novak Djokovic, who's known to be a strict disciplinarian in terms of his diet, once famously said that he allowed himself just a small sliver of chocolate after his grueling win over Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final. But in his post-match press conference on Tuesday, Djokovic confessed that he has had more chocolate in the years since.

"Of course, I did (smiling)," he said. "Yeah, I saw that story kind of circulating around the social media. Actually, it was true but it doesn't necessarily mean that it always happens after every win that I refuse having a full chocolate or dessert. I actually try to indulge myself in the dessert. I have a sweet tooth, so to say. But yeah, I had plenty of chocolate ever since."

The 36-year-old added that he had a bit of a chocolate party the previous night - four vegan desserts with his Serbian team members.

"Last night," he said. "Yeah, two guys at the back of the room there confirming I'm not lying. We had like four, although vegan desserts."

Novak Djokovic takes on Australia's Alex de Minaur in Serbia's United Cup quarterfinal tie on Wednesday (January 3).

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Novak Djokovic's arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, off to winning start in 2024

Rafael Nadal

Like Novak Djokovic, his arch-rival Rafael Nadal has also made a winning start to the season. The former World No. 1 beat Dominic Thiem in straight sets in the Brisbane International first round on Tuesday.

It was Nadal's first competitive outing in nearly a year. The legendary left-hander injured his hip in the 2023 Australian Open second round against Mackenzie McDonald, and had been on the sidelines ever since.

In a repeat of the pair's 2018 and 2019 Roland Garros finals, Rafael Nadal made the decisive break against Dominic Thiem at 5-5 in the first set. The second set was a breeze - with Nadal dropping just one game - as he streaked across the finish line in 89 minutes.

The Spaniard will next take on Jason Kubler for a place in the Brisbane quarterfinals.

Nadal and Djokovic - who share a rivalry for the ages - have clashed a record 59 times, with the Serb narrowly ahead 30-29.