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Postcards from Paris: Novak Djokovic's dad instincts kick in after doling out countless autographs

By Matt Fitzgerald May 27, 2023
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Postcards from Paris: Novak Djokovic's dad instincts kick in after doling out countless autographs

The 22-time major champion took Kids' Day to heart Saturday at Roland Garros on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

ByMatt Fitzgerald

Published May 27, 2023

PARIS—On the eve of Roland Garros, Kids’ Day took over the grounds of the clay-court major. It’s an initiative that wouldn’t be complete without the star power of a 22-time major champion.

Novak Djokovic headlined the notable names inside Court Suzanne Lenglen on a bright Saturday afternoon. A two-time French Open winner, Djokovic took the occasion to heart when the number of forehands traded with Karen Khachanov was exceeded by the sheer volume of autographs he doled out to eager fans.

And that wasn’t all. Our Postcards from Paris paint the scene:

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To the surprise of no one, seats were hard to come by to see a Nole training session.

To the surprise of no one, seats were hard to come by to see a Nole training session.

© Matt Fitzgerald

After wrapping with his team, Djokovic served up signatures left and right—ensuring more than the front row had an opportunity to leave with a special memento.

After wrapping with his team, Djokovic served up signatures left and right—ensuring more than the front row had an opportunity to leave with a special memento.

© Matt Fitzgerald

Selfie requests were honored as well, as the 36-year-old made his way toward a corner of the court.

Selfie requests were honored as well, as the 36-year-old made his way toward a corner of the court. 

© Matt Fitzgerald

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Djokovic returned the positive energy directed his way in flashing smiles back.

Djokovic returned the positive energy directed his way in flashing smiles back. 

© Matt Fitzgerald

Some might say hanging this yellow hat down for Novak's ink was one bold move, but the Belgrade native obliged when heading towards the other side of the baseline.

Some might say hanging this yellow hat down for Novak's ink was one bold move, but the Belgrade native obliged when heading towards the other side of the baseline.

© Matt Fitzgerald

Once getting to that end, Djokovic pulled a boy from the stands to come with him on court, perhaps his dad instincts kicking in…

Once getting to that end, Djokovic pulled a boy from the stands to come with him on court, perhaps his dad instincts kicking in…

© Matt Fitzgerald

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… as the kid was provided with water, cold towel and a white Lacoste hat before being escorted back by the father of two.

… as the kid was provided with water, cold towel and a white Lacoste hat before being escorted back by the father of two.

© Matt Fitzgerald

Djokovic and Alcaraz with a warm embrace earlier this Roland Garros.

Djokovic and Alcaraz with a warm embrace earlier this Roland Garros.

© Matt Fitzgerald

The No. 3 seed was sent off with a roaring applause.

The No. 3 seed was sent off with a roaring applause.

© Matt Fitzgerald