Novak Djokovic wows with round-the-net winner after ‘Come on Roger Federer!’ shout from fan at Australian Open

Eurosport’s Tim Henman noted that it was a “slight irony” that Novak Djokovic pulled off a stunning round-the-net winner after a “Come on Roger!” shout-out from a fan during his third-round clash with Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open.

Not only did the nine-time champion at Melbourne Park do well to ignore the call from the spectator inside Rod Laver Arena, but he also found the perfect response – and also a bit of a tribute to his fellow men’s tennis legend – with an outrageous shot.

The 35-year-old, who has always been renowned for his incredible powers of recovery around the court and defensive resilience, somehow managed to not only get to the ball but whip it round-the-net for a winner.

The shot delighted the Eurosport commentators on the match, Simon Reed and British tennis legend Tim Henman, who enjoyed the irony of the response from the Serb.

“Oh, he’s got it!” exclaimed Reed. “Round the net post!”

Henman added: “The slight irony to that … after someone calling out ‘Come on Roger!’ that Djokovic goes round the net post with a forehand!”

It was a moment of brilliance from Djokovic, and it had the crowd on their feet inside Rod Laver Arena.

“It’s not good at all, to be honest,” Djokovic told Eurosport when asked about his injury.

“I’ll take it day-to-day, it was better [in the] last match, the feeling, than tonight.

“That’s all I can say. It’s up to God and my physio to help me. Let’s take it day by day. I hope I’ll be able to recover.”

– – –