WATCH: Ons Jabeur greets Novak Djokovic with a bow as he arrives to watch her exhibition match vs. Aryna Sabalenka at Riyadh Season Tennis Cup

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Ons Jabeur honors Novak Djokovic with a bow during her match at Riyadh Season Tennis Cup
Ons Jabeur honors Novak Djokovic with a bow during her match at Riyadh Season Tennis Cup

Ons Jabeur recently showed her admiration and respect for the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic by bowing to him during her match at the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The Riyadh Season Tennis Cup is an exhibition tournament featuring some of the best players in the world, including Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jabeur.

Jabeur, ranked No. 6 in the world and the highest-ranked Arab and African female tennis player in history, faced World No. 2 Sabalenka in the women’s match on December 26. The match was a close contest, with the latter winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, in under two hours.

One of the highlights of the match, apart from the tennis, was the gesture that Jabeur made when she saw the Serb in the stands.

Jabeur, who was sitting on the bench during a changeover, noticed the World No. 1 arriving in the arena with other dignitaries. She immediately turned towards him and bowed, as a sign of respect and appreciation for the Serb.

The video of the exchange was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, December 26.

The 24-time Grand Slam Champion played his match the next day against World No. 2 Alcaraz. The match was a thrilling encounter, with the latter coming from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic is next slated to participate in the 2024 United Cup, which will start on December 29, 2023. The 36-year-old will lead Team Serbia, which includes Olga Danilovic, Hamad Medjedovic, Natalija Stevanovic, Nikola Cacic, and Dejana Radanovic.


Novak Djokovic named European Sportsperson of the Year for a record fifth time

Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Davis Cup Final
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Davis Cup Final

Novak Djokovic was recently honored as the European Sportsperson of the Year. Djokovic was competing against other top sports figures for the award, including Formula One sensation Max Verstappen and pole-vaulting world record-holder Armand Duplantis.

This marks the Serb's fifth win in the last 13 editions of the award, with his previous triumphs coming in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2021. The selection process involves voting by 27 diverse international news agencies. Notable past recipients of this accolade include football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, as well as Formula 1 legends Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

In the 2023 season, Novak Djokovic reached all four Grand Slam finals. He narrowly missed out on securing a rare Calendar Grand Slam as he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon Championships title match.

Moreover, the 36-year-old claimed two Masters 1000 titles and secured a seventh year-end ATP Finals triumph, ending the year as the World No. 1 for an unprecedented eighth time.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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