Olga Danilovic definitely didn’t force a viral reaction she delivered during the United Cup as the 23-year-old says hearing Novak Djokovic speaking Chinese was “the highlight” of her time at the event.
At the start of the 2024 season, the WTA world No. 97 made her United Cup. There, she got a chance to play in two mixed doubles matches with the record 24-time Grand Slam champion.
On December 31st, Danilovic and Djokovic defeated China’s Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen 6-4 1-6 10-6. Later in the presser, the 37-year-old wished a happy new year in Chinese. The moment left his mixed doubles partner stunned and in disbelief.
Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic© X screenshot
“Happy New Year! How are you, thank you for your support, I love you, China, my good friend!” Djokovic said in Chinese as the 23-year-old couldn’t believe what she was witnessing.
Novak Wishing Chinese fans a Happy New Year 2024 in Chinese. （look at Olga and Viktor’s reaction😂 ）
“Happy New Year! How are you, thank you for your support, I love you, China, my good friend!”🇷🇸🇨🇳❤️
“新年快乐！ 你好吗，谢谢你们的支持，我爱你，中国，我的好朋友！” pic.twitter.com/7KRKXe9Lz3
— pete_shaw🐊🐌👬 (@petexiao1) December 31, 2023
Reflecting on it now, the 2018 Moscow champion told CLAY: “The best story of all was Novak speaking in Chinese. That was the highlight.”
Danilovic: That example tells who Djokovic is
It is not a secret that Djokovic is bilingual as there were also moments when he would address the French and Italian crowds in their language. But speaking in China’s language was another level.
“That was something that showed what Novak really is. He always surprises you with something, because he is so open-minded. I had no idea he spoke Mandarin Chinese. He started talking and you could see my natural and genuine reaction. I looked at the reporter who asked him, and he had the same expression as me. It was incredible. An hour later I couldn’t believe what the guy had done,” Danilovic said.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old and Djokovic won both of their mixed doubles matches at the United Cup but Serbia still exited the tournament in the quarterfinal stage following a loss to Australia.
Considering how well they played, some wondered if Danilovic and the 37-year-old would play together at the Paris Olympics but it didn’t happen after the former world No. 1 decided to solely focus on singles.