Novak Djokovic’s off-court charm offensive: From the Ryder Cup to Rugby World Cup and Ballon d’Or fun

Novak Djokovic made an interesting comment at the Paris Masters this week when he confirmed that he had parted company with his long-time management team.

Back in September it emerged that Djokovic and the Italian team of Edoardo Artaldi – who has been managing his affairs since 2008 – and Elena Cappellaro have gone their separate ways, but there was no official word from the Serbian’s camp.

After returning to reaction for the first time since his US Open title run, Djokovic was finally asked about the reports and stated: “We stay friends but professionally we decided to go different ways. I’m entering a new chapter about the off-court approach. The transition is not easy but I’m moving forward.”

And it is the second sentence of that quote that makes for interesting reading: “I’m entering a new chapter about the off-court approach.”

Djokovic could refer to money matters or he could refer to something completely different, but one thing is certain the 24-time has taken a different approach when it comes to public appearances.

And one that was perhaps needed after his image took a hammering during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some might be put off by his recent charm offensive, but one thing is certain this “new” Djokovic is having a ball and enjoying life away from tennis.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic appears at Rugby World Cup Final alongside a famous face

The world No 1 has never been one to shy away from mingling with the who’s who in both the sporting and entertainment world, but he has stepped it up a couple of gears over the past few weeks.

Days after winning a record-extending 24th major at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic made surprise appearance during the Serbia basketball team’s homecoming celebrations in Belgrade after they won silver at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

There were emotional scenes as Djokovic broke down in tears during the ceremony.

Two weeks later and the Serbian found himself on the fairways in Rome as he joined the likes of footballers Gareth Bale and Andriy Shevchenko, Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz, actress Kathryn Newton and other celebrities competing in the All-Star Match in the build-up to the 44th Ryder Cup.

He even got Bale playing tennis and sharing videos on social media.

“Gareth is an amazing guy, a really, really nice guy. I had a fantastic few days with him and playing the Ryder Cup [All-Star Match] was a huge honour and privilege,” he told ATP Tour recently.

He added: “It was an experience of a lifetime, I am an avid golf fan along with other sport, but golf has grown in my eyes, especially after the Ryder Cup experience.”

After taking a well-deserved break, Djokovic flew to Paris last week and before the Paris Masters started he got two big sporting events under his belt.

First he made a surprise appearance at the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand at the Stade de France last Saturday as he mixed with singer Rita Ora and actor Jason Momoa in the crowd. He was even spotted wearing a South African rugby shirt after the Springboks won their fourth World Cup.

And two days later he was presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris where the best football players for the past year were recognised.

He handed over the Women’s Ballon d’Or award to Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, but even on the red carpet it was a relaxed Djokovic as he took part in some light-hearted fun with YouTuber IShowSpeed, who didn’t recognise one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

But not long after he was back on court for the Paris Masters and “feeding off the energy” and boos from Parisians as he brushed aside all comers.

However, this new off-court approach has certainly given Djokovic a boost and, more importantly, he appears to be at ease away from the tennis court.