Novak Djokovic's Centre Court Prank & Wimbledon Masterclass

Novak Djokovic's Centre Court Prank & Wimbledon Masterclass

Wei Jie Tan
Wei Jie Tan
Published: Jul 01, 2026

Novak Djokovic taunted the ball girl on Centre Court

A Moment of Levity on Hallowed Ground

It was a moment that transcended the scoreline, injecting a touch of humanity into the high-stakes world of Grand Slam tennis. After securing the second set to take a commanding 2-0 lead, Djokovic requested assistance from a young ball girl to trim some taping on his shoulder. What followed was a classic Djokovic antic, showcasing his often-hidden playful side.

The Scissors Scare: Djokovic's Playful Gambit

As the ball girl tentatively approached with the scissors, the Serbian superstar pretended she had accidentally snipped him. The brief flash of terror on the young girl's face quickly dissolved into a shared laugh, highlighting the unique character of the world's best. BBC presenter Clare Balding perfectly captured the sentiment, noting the girl's initial fear before realizing the jest. It was a fleeting interaction, but one that instantly went viral, adding another memorable chapter to Djokovic's storied career.

Unstoppable Force: Djokovic's Wimbledon March

Beyond the theatrics, Djokovic was, as ever, in ruthless form. His opponent, Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former world No.3, found himself up against an immovable object. The prank, if anything, momentarily underscored the relaxed confidence of a player who knows he belongs at the pinnacle of the sport.

Clinical Performance Against Tsitsipas

Under the Centre Court roof, Djokovic raced to a 6-3 lead in the first set, breaking early and then battling back from 0-40 down on his own serve to seal it in just 26 minutes. The second set proved no less challenging for Tsitsipas, as Djokovic powered through to be two sets up in a mere 63 minutes. This relentless efficiency is a hallmark of his game, proving that even with a playful diversion, his focus on victory remains absolute.