Novak Djokovic did not have it all his own way yesterday despite recording a first-round win at the Australian Open.
His opponent, the teenage Dino Prizmic, has gained widespread acclaim for his battling performance.
And whilst their clash has been lauded, it is the Serbian’s post-match interview that has drawn interest.
So, what did Djokovic say to Andre Agassi, who watched on from the crowd? Let’s take a closer look…
What Novak Djokovic said to Andre Agassi
The world number one is a truly effortless enforcer when he has to be, and despite losing the second set he remained calm enough to quell the threat his young opponent offered.
However, after first giving praise to the Croatian, he would then turn his attention to the 53-year-old in the crowd.
The eight-time Grand Slam winner, who rivals Djokovic for the title of the greatest-ever, laughed on as the 36-year-old noted: ‘Andre. Great to have you. Thank you so much for gracing us and Australian Open with your presence.
‘It’s amazing to see you. I haven’t seen you in years. It was 4-0 & deuce & I made a forehand winner. I smiled at you & said it’s almost like your return. After that I lost 3 games in a row. Not your fault. I was inspired by your presence and overwhelmed to see you.’
Novak Djokovic will want to end the Andre Agassi debate
It seems like Djokovic enjoyed an afternoon laden with crowd activity, first engaging with his sprawling fanbase that Nick Kygrios lauded before taking to this particular onlooker.
But this was no average supporter, with Agassi having won the Australian Open on four occasions.
And yet, that is a figure dwarfed by Nole’s ten title victories, which he will be hoping to add to in 2024.
The debate that rages on even today, and will likely continue to as long as the sport stays relevant, regards who will be regarded as the greatest of all time, or, the GOAT.
Whilst Agassi himself has admitted that Djokovic should hold that title, there are plenty of arguments for the American to hold that crown even if his total grand slam total (eight) is nowhere near that of the still active record-holder (24).
Before he retires, whenever that will be, the relentless superstar will have ambitions of adding a few more slams to his trophy cabinet to put some distance between himself and the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
However, whilst there are records left to break, he is expected to continue, and therefore Agassi can only watch as his legacy gets smaller and smaller in comparison to Djokovic.
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