10 Years After Being Invited to Play Tennis by Novak Djokovic, Swedish Soccer GOAT Throws Down the Gauntlet and Turns the Tables

Novak Djokovic has plenty of friends across different sports. His fanbase is not limited to the average viewers of the game but also has some of the biggest names in the world. The Serb’s popularity in the world of sports was laid bare for all to see during his historic triumph at the Court Philippe-Chatrier earlier this month. World renowned stars like Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud, Theo Hernandez and the NFL GOAT Tom Brady, along with numerous others, were in the stadium to watch him lift his 23rd Grand Slam title. Now, Ibrahimovic, one of the biggest soccer stars of the modern era, has challenged Djokovic for a round of padel.

Djokovic, who had already played a mini-exhibition with the Swedish soccer star in question 10 years ago, has a really good relationship with the former Manchester United star. So, it might be only a matter of time before we see the two superstars on a padel court.

Novak Djokovic responds to the soccer star’s invite

This isn’t the first time both Djokovic and Zlatan have shown their camaraderie on the world stage. The two featured in a casual exhibition in Paris back in 2013. He invited the Swedish star onto the court for a little exhibition after his semi-final victory over Roger Federer in the Paris Masters. Initially, they hit the ball with their rackets and switched to using their feet to entertain the crowd.

The 41-year-old striker recently posted a clip on Instagram of him playing paddle in Milan and tagged Djokovic with the caption “whenever you’re ready.”.

READ MORE: Soccer Legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic Comes Out in Support of Novak Djokovic After Australian Open 2022 Saga

Friendly as always, Djokovic reposted the story on his feed. His caption said, “On the same side of the net we are unbeatable.”. The Serb has always been up for cross-sport collaborations. Considering that Djokovic and Ibrahimovic go way back, we could see this exhibition taking place soon. A potential exhibition, including these two stars, could draw large crowds in any corner of the world. But, how did this unlikely duo become  best friends off the playing field?

What connects Djokovic and Ibrahimovic?

The world number 1 shares a special bond with the Swedish soccer star. Djokovic is a known AC Milan fan and Ibrahimovic has spent some of his best years at the Italian club. On top of that, the 41-year-old recently retired from the sport at the Milan-based club.

While Djokovic has often spectated Ibrahimovic from the stands for the AC Milan games, the soccer star has done the same for the Serb. Ibrahimovic has been often spotted at tennis tournaments, especially when Djokovic is playing. He showed up at the recent Roland Garros final and the two stars had a warm exchange during the Serb’s speech.

The mutual respect between two of the biggest stars in two of the biggest sports is truly incredible. With Ibrahimovic’s retirement from soccer, fans could expect to see him more often in tennis matches.

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