WATCH: Novak Djokovic leaves bewildered Zheng Qinwen in splits with complex Australian Open doubles strategy

Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen partnered for a charity match at the Australian Open on January 9. As the duo got to action in the Rod Laver Arena, he peppered his partner with complex doubles strategies, leaving a confused Qinwen in splits.

On Thursday, Djokovic and Quiwen faced off against Andy Murray and Belinda Bencic in "A Night with Novak", a charity exhibition match that raised funds for children’s charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation. As the four Olympic champions faced off against each other in front of an audience of 15,000, Qinwen was getting ready to serve when she asked Djokovic where she should play the ball.

This led to the Serb unloading complex strategies on the 22-year-old, leaving her confused and laughing. Watch a video of their interaction below:

Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen had fantastic campaigns at the Paris Olympics, clinching gold medals in the men's and women's singles events. It was a historic achievement for both players, the medal a first for their countries.

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Novak Djokovic heaped praise on Zheng Qinwen after the youngster’s Paris Olympics victory

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open (Image Source: Getty)

After the 2024 Olympic Games, Novak Djokovic made an appearance at the Shanghai Masters, and heaped praise on Zheng Qinwen for her performance in Paris, saying in a post-match press conference:

“She's so young. She made China proud this year at the Olympic Games. She brought the gold medal, I think first ever in tennis for China, so it's a big deal. She's a great person, and a really, really good player that keeps on improving. I like to watch her, I'm a big fan of her as a person and as a player.

We have a nice relationship off the court, and when we have a chance, we chat. So, of course I'm there, she knows that I'm available to her, to her coaching team any time she wants to ask for advice or anything like that.”

The Serb added:

“I heard about the picture for the gold medal, with the gold medals, so that would be fun, that would be great. I don't know if it's going to happen before Australia, because our schedules are different, but maybe in Australia we can bring the medals (laughing) and we can do it there.”

On the hunt for a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne, Djokovic will begin his 2025 Australian Open campaign on Sunday, January 12, against Nishesh Basavareddy.