Paris, France – In a surprising and delightful twist to his Roland Garros preparations, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic recently traded his customary racket for a bicycle, embarking on a nighttime ride through the iconic streets of Paris. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was spotted cycling around the Arc de Triomphe, offering fans a glimpse into his relaxed yet adventurous side.
Less than 24 hours before his second-round victory over Corentin Moutet at the French Open, Djokovic, 38, was seen taking in the sights like a tourist, all while getting in some exercise. A short video clip, which quickly circulated on social media, showed the Serbian star in a dark blue tracksuit, sneakers, and a properly fastened helmet – a clear nod to safety despite the late hour.
Djokovic acknowledged the ride after his match, revealing that Roland Garros had kindly gifted him a bicycle, which he used for the first time on this memorable outing. While he has cycled in Paris before, this particular experience stood out. He admitted to “trying our luck a little bit with that roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe,” an area famously known for its hectic traffic. “To be honest, at one point, we had cars all over the place. It was quite an adrenaline experience, but I don’t think I will repeat that, especially in that environment where we were filmed,” he chuckled, adding that other streets are “much more safe.”
Despite the challenging traffic, Djokovic appeared perfectly at ease, even responding with a grin and a cheerful “I love you, too!” to a fan who called out their admiration.
The uncharacteristic pre-match excursion highlights Djokovic’s unique blend of fitness, city exploration, and composure even on the eve of a major tournament. Fresh off his 100th career title, the world No. 1 is currently aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam victory.
“It’s great to see Paris from the bicycle. I think it’s just more fun,” Djokovic explained. “You’re not stuck in traffic. With the car, at times, it can be frustrating for whatever reason. But with the bicycle, it’s just beautiful.”
