Novak Djokovic gifts racket to young fan after winning French Open; Boy’s reaction goes viral

Tennis champion Novak Djokovic claimed his 19th Grand Slam singles title after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French Open 2021 at Roland Garros on Sunday, becoming the only male player in history to have won each of the four Grand Slams at least twice. 

Despite being down by two sets, the Serbian tennis player made an incredible comeback and defeated Stefanos 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Soon after, Djokovic gifted his racket to a bubbling young fan in the stands and the boy’s reaction after receiving the reward has won the internet. Unable to contain his excitement, the boy is seen jumping up and down in disbelief in the footage. Later at a press conference, Djokovic explained why he had handed his racket to the young fan. Stating that the boy was coaching, encouraging and motivating him throughout the game, the Tennis champion said, “This boy was in my ear the entire match. He was encouraging me. He was actually giving me tactics.”

Djokovic added, “He (the boy) was like: ‘Hold your serve, get an easy first ball, then dictate, go to his backhand.’ He was coaching me literally. I found that very cute, very nice. So I felt like to give the racket to the best person was him after the match. That was kind of my gratitude for him sticking with me and supporting me.”