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'Just beautiful': Young fan swoons over Novak Djokovic gesture

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) celebrating after a match and (pictured right) gifting a fan some memoribilia.
Novak Djokovic made a budding tennis players day (pictured right) after gifting him one of his playing tops ahead of a match at the Dubai International. (Images: Getty Images/Instagram)

Novak Djokovic made his return this week to the ATP Tour after his debacle in Australia and the World No.1 made one fan's day with a beautiful gesture.

Djokovic appears to have returned to tennis like a man on a mission, seeing off both Lorenzo Musetti and a spirited challenge from Karen Khachanov to reach the quarter-finals of the Dubai International on Wednesday.

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The unvaccinated World No.1 was unceremoniously deported from Australia ahead of the first grand slam of the year and was yet to play a match in 2022.

However, most fans in Dubai have warmly greeted Djokovic upon his eagerly anticipated return.

And no more than young budding tennis player Tim.

The 11-year-old met Djokovic during one of his training sessions before the Dubai International.

And wanting to meet the World No.1 again, Tim waited for Djokovic before his match against Musetti.

Djokovic showed class to give Tim a hug and granted him one of his Lacoste tops as a gift.

In the crowd during an Andrey Rublev match, Tim was photographed in the crowd wearing the gift from Djokovic.

Fans were quick to praise Djokovic for making the young fan smile.

Another fan pointed out Djokovic stayed back to sign autographs for adoring fans after his second match against Khachanov.

Novak Djokovic's classy act in Dubai

Djokovic's generosity wasn't the only moment fans noticed.

The Serb thanked the crowd following the overwhelming support he has received upon his tennis return.

"I missed it, obviously. This is my life," Djokovic said.

"This is what I have known to do - and will still keep on doing - for the last 20 years. Professional tennis is my love.

"I enjoying bringing positive energy and memories for people who watch."

Djokovic also received praise for his classy actions immediately after the match as he stopped his celebrations to clap Khachanov off court after his win.

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