Novak Djokovic says it was an 'honour' to meet Lionel Messi and Neymar with his kids ahead of PSG match
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Published 05/06/2023 at 11:28 GMT
Novak Djokovic was present at the Parc des Princes on Saturday to watch Paris Saint-Germain take on Clermont in their final Ligue 1 match of the season. The 22-time Grand Slam champion met Lionel Messi and Neymar along with his kids, and explained the importance of seeing his two children while on tour. He is back in action on Tuesday when he plays Karen Khachanov at the French Open.
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Novak Djokovic says it was an "honour" to meet Paris Saint-Germain stars Lionel Messi and Neymar alongside his children Stefan and Tara.
The world No. 3 took time out from the French Open to watch Paris Saint-Germain face Clermont at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
It was there where Djokovic, along with his two children, was able to meet with Messi and Neymar before the match.
“It was my first time meeting them in person – they are great champions, it was a pleasure and an honour to meet them, especially Messi, a player who left an extraordinary mark in the history of football”, said Djokovic in quotes published by Tennis Majors.
“They did win the title already, but the expectations are always huge from stars like them.
"That’s why I didn’t want to disturb them and to enter their space while they were preparing, but they saw me on their way to the locker room [before the game] and they came to say ’hi’.
“Neymar signed Tara’s jersey, but it’s an interesting story. She doesn’t follow sports much, but she has a school friend who is half Brazilian-half Serbian – that girl dances all the time to this song about Neymar. That’s why she wanted to meet him badly.”
Djokovic highlighted the importance of seeing his children in the middle of a hectic Grand Slam schedule, and hopes that Stefan and Tara can come to Paris again after returning to Belgrade due to schooling commitments.
“They bring me positive energy, peace and serenity. Most important things. I am the type of person that easily gets excited. My kids’ presence gives me balance, takes my mind off tennis. I am grateful they came.
“Stefan wanted to be with me through the whole routine, to see how it feels – warm up, gym, practice, this board game we always play, lunch…He was there the whole time. They are my angels and they help me a lot to be better on the court and off the court.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is back in action on Tuesday when he plays Karen Khachanov at the Philippe-Chatrier court.
Should he overcome the Russian, a potentially mouth-watering semi-final clash with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz awaits.
It would be only the second career meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz after the Spaniard won their first in Madrid last year.
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