On January 9, Zheng Qinwen and Novak Djokovic played together in a charity match at the Australian Open. He overloaded his partner with intricate doubles tactics as the two got into action in the Rod Laver Arena, leaving a baffled Qinwen in stitches.
During Thursday’s “A Night with Novak” charity exhibition match, which was organized by the Australian Tennis Foundation to raise money for children’s charities, Djokovic and Quiwen competed against Andy Murray and Belinda Bencic. Qinwen was preparing to serve when she asked Djokovic where she should play the ball as the four Olympic champions squared off in front of 15,000 spectators.
As a result, the 22-year-old was left confused and laughing as the Serb set loose complex tactics on her.
Both Qinwen and Djokovic won gold in the women’s and men’s singles competitions during their outstanding Olympic campaigns in Paris. Both athletes accomplished a historic feat, and their nations received their first medal.
Fans reacted as Djokovic made everyone laugh when playing doubles with Qinwen. One fan wrote: “Always hilarious Nole.”
🤣 Zheng Qinwen isn’t alone in not understanding what Novak Djokovic means here ✊👉👎👇 pic.twitter.com/DM2mQgM0vp
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Now ranked no.7, Novak played his last match on the 3rd of January when he lost to world no.171 Reilly Opelka 7-6(6) 6-3 in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).
This year Djokovic has managed to achieve a 2-1 record.
Novak Djokovic will face the world no.133 Nishesh Basavareddy in the 1st round. They have never competed against each other as of now on the main tour.
The Serbian won 100 titles in his career: 53 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Qinwen Zheng in 2025
Now the world no.5 (career-high), the Chinese played her last match on the 9th of November 2024 when she was defeated by world no.3 Cori Gauff 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) in the final in Riyadh (draw).
This season the Chinese owns a 52-18 record.
Qinwen Zheng will come up against the world no.222 Alice Tubello in the quarter. In the past, they have never competed against each other up to now in top competitions.
The Chinese won 5 titles in her career: 2 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
