Novak Djokovic recently took part in a stunning desert photoshoot in Riyadh. The Serb's traditional Sheikh attire, however, left numerous tennis fans in stitches.
Djokovic was in Riyadh for the recently held Six Kings Slam tournament. The World No. 4 received a bye to the semifinals, where he lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
He then faced his arch-rival Rafael Nadal in a match to secure the third position. The Serb won the first set 6-2, and despite a strong challenge from the Spaniard in the second set, took it 7-6(5). With Nadal set to retire at the Davis Cup in November, this was likely their final encounter.
After finishing the exhibition event on a high note, the 24-time Major champion took part in a stunning desert-themed photoshoot. Djokovic wore an elegant printed shirt in some shots and traditional Sheikh attire in others.
A fan shared one of Djokovic's pictures in the traditional attire on Reddit. Watch it below:
Several tennis fans later reacted hilariously to the picture with one writing:
"He’s even competing with Rafa to be Saudi tennis ambassador."
""Bin" means son of. So he'd be Novak Bin Srdjan or Novak Al Djokovic," another said.
"Why does he lowkey look like he’s Saudi Arabian in this pic," a fan chimed in.
Here are a few more reactions from the fans:
"how is bro so photogenic," a fan commented.
"The Saudi sportswashing continues," another wrote.
"Bro is just vibing since the Gold medal. Completely deserves it," a fan said.
Novak Djokovic is set to compete at the Paris Masters 2024
Novak Djokovic is set to compete next at the Paris Masters, which will take place from October 28 to November 3.
The 37-year-old last competed in Paris at the 2024 Summer Games, where he secured a gold medal. Although the surface will differ at the Paris Masters compared to the Olympics, Djokovic will aim to maintain his form and defend his Masters 1000 title. He defeated Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in last year's final.
The Serb is currently sixth in the Race to the ATP Finals in Turin, which he won last year. A strong performance in Paris should help him qualify for the tournament, which features only the top eight ranked singles players and doubles teams in the world.
Moreover, Djokovic has not won any titles this season, aside from his gold medal triumph at the Olympics. Thus, the tournament in Paris could serve as his last opportunity, at least this season, to secure a tour-level title.
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