Reigning Olympic champion Novak Djokovic recreated Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s iconic audience interaction during a practice session with Juan Martin del Potro ahead of the 2024 US Open. The Serb reunited with the 2009 titlist years after their last encounter at the 2019 Italian Open, where Djokovic claimed victory over his long-time rival in an intense match-up.
Djokovic secured gold in the men’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, completing a career Golden Slam and etching his name alongside Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graff. He will now chase his 25th Grand Slam crown at the 2024 US Open, scheduled to start on August 26.
Ahead of the last Major of the year, the Serb took on former Argentine player Juan Martin del Potro in a practice session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. On his Instagram story, the 37-year-old shared his recreation of the audience interaction gestures of the rock band Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Djokovic wrote on his story:
“Been watching too much Freddie Mercury. Thank you for playing along with me.”
Freddie Mercury played the role of a conductor to lead the orchestra of people’s voices during his stage performances. His enormous fan base cooperated and followed his hand movement attentively. Djokovic did the same but with a tennis racket and received a response like Queen’s lead vocalist.
His recent practice session with Juan Martin del Potro came after they last clashed at the 2019 Italian Open. The latter retired in 2022. The Serb won 16 out of 20 matches against the former Argentine player.
Novak Djokovic says his career-defining moment was defeating Juan Martin del Potro at the 2018 US Open
In a pre-session conversation with ESPN, the 24-time Grand Slam winner was asked if his recent Olympic gold was his highest career achievement. Djokovic turned to Juan Martin de Potro and said:
“My greatest success ever was beating Juan Martin del Potro in the final of US Open in 2018.” (via US Open official website)
The latter quickly responded:
“My biggest success was beating you in Rio.”
The 37-year-old added:
“And in London! Delpo is my nemesis at the Olympic Games. He’s been my slayer.”
Del Potro has two Olympic medals in his repertoire, a silver in the men’s singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze at the 2012 London Games.
