Novak Djokovic Reveals His 15-Year Bond with a Melbourne Tree

Novak Djokovic, seeking his 10th Australian Open title, spoke about how he has a special connection with a tree on the grounds of Rod Laver Arena. He said that he likes to sit under the tree and meditate before his matches.

World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has shared a unique connection with Melbourne, not related to the court but a special tree in the city’s botanical gardens. After defeating Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday night, Djokovic spoke about his enduring relationship with a particular tree he has been visiting for the past 15 years.

During a post-match press conference, Djokovic explained, “There’s one particular tree that I’ve been having [a] special relationship with, so to say, in the last 15 years.” He admired Melbourne’s botanical gardens and revealed that he connected with the tree, liking its roots, trunks, and branches. Djokovic even mentioned climbing the tree years ago, saying, “I just have a connection.”

Reports from locals mentioned Djokovic returning to the tree after enjoying pumpkin soup. The tennis star emphasized the importance of meditating at the tree, describing it as a way to feel grounded. Despite his openness about the special bond, Djokovic chose not to disclose the tree’s location to maintain his privacy during visits.

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In recent years, Djokovic has faced mixed reception in Australia, especially when compared to rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In 2022, he was deported before the Australian Open for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine in a city under a prolonged lockdown.

During Wednesday’s match, Djokovic confronted a heckling fan, challenging them to “come down and say it to my face.” Despite expressing frustration with such incidents, Djokovic acknowledged the reality, stating, “I have to accept it as it is.”

In 2016, Djokovic posted a picture of himself meditating against his favorite tree, expressing gratitude for spending time in nature. While the exact location remains a mystery, a 2017 Instagram post provides a glimpse of Djokovic’s “special tree friend” and captures his joy in connecting with it.