Novak Djokovic reveals real reason behind his internet-breaking Pikachu backpack

Novak Djokovic recently spoke about the Pikachu backpack he was spotted carrying while arriving in Australia for this week's Brisbane International. The Serb said that Pikachu, one of the main protagonists and the face of the media franchise Pokémon, was adored by his son Stefan.

Djokovic is vying for a record-breaking 25th Major title at the Australian Open later this month. The 37-year-old is currently participating at the Brisbane International, a tune-up event to the Melbourne Slam, and won his first two matches against Gael Monfils and Rinky Hijikata in straight sets respectively.

Earlier this week, the 24-time Major winner was spotted carrying a backpack with the Pokémon character Pikachu. The World No. 7 further gave way to speculation as it came to light that Pikachu is the twenty-fifth Pokémon on the Pokédex, which is also the number of Grand Slam triumphs he could possibly have by the end of January.

Djokovic Arrives In Australia In Search Of Major #25 (with some pokemon luck) byu/youknowdem intennis

On Thursday (January 2), Novak Djokovic spoke to the media in Brisbane regarding a wide array of topics. The Serb carrying a Pikachu bag came up as a journalist probed him on its significance.

"Is there anything to it? Number 25 is Pikachu. Does it mean anything?" the journalist asked.

In response, the 37-year-old joked that the backpack was supposed to be a "subtle subliminal message" for his nine-year-old son, Stefan. He added that the bag belonged to the latter and that he just happened to have it on him then.

"All I can say is my kids, particularly my son, loves Pikachu. Subtle subliminal messages," Novak Djokovic said during his press conference in Brisbane on Thursday. "It's his bag. It's his bag. But I was carrying it on my bag going out from the airport."

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Novak Djokovic on his pre-match preparations: "I really like data, video analysis particularly"

During the press conference, Novak Djokovic also fielded questions about how much he depends on statistical analysis ahead of his matches. The Serb claimed that he has always been interested in not only statistics but video analysis as well, while also addressing the type of players who refrain from knowing about their opponents' playing styles.

"It really depends individually on the person... Some players like to receive as less information as possible and kind of more follow their instinct automatically, just feel the opponent on the court, I guess," Djokovic told the media on Thursday. "Some other players love going to the details."

"I'm more in the second group. I really like data. Video analysis particularly. I'm quite a visual type of guy. I like to get a sense of patterns of play of my next opponent. I put throughout my career a lot of time and resources into that, along with my other team members."

Djokovic will next face former World No. 17 Reilly Opelka for a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Brisbane International. He has never met the American on the ATP Tour, so their head-to-head record stands at 0-0.