- Novak Djokovic enjoyed a casual game of soccer on Friday in Indian Wells
- He will begin his tournament on Saturday against Australian Aleksandar Vukic
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebration is adored by football fans around the world, including Novak Djokovic, who imitated the Portuguese star during a kick in Indian Wells.
The Serbian is in California to participate in the BNP Paribas Open, which he last won in 2016.
But on Friday he played an informal soccer match before starting his tournament, with a video posted on X on Friday showing him scoring fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic flicked the ball into the net around Tsitsipas’s leg before stepping away to celebrate and channel his inner Ronaldo.
In fact, the world number one also appeared to imitate Chelsea great Didier Drogba, as he moved his arms to his sides before doing the ‘siu’.
Novak Djokovic emulated Cristiano Ronaldo while celebrating a goal in a small match
Ronaldo is known for his iconic ‘siu’ goal celebration, which he has performed since 2013.
Djokovic was also seen playing soccer on Wednesday – and again did Ronaldo’s celebration after the goal.
“It was a lot of fun,” Tsitsipas told Tennis Channel of Friday’s shortened match. “I got lost in the game.”
It’s not the first time a top athlete has emulated Ronaldo, as Bucks star and Nashville SC minority owner Giannis Antetokounmpo did the ‘siu’ before the MLS club faced Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final last summer.
Ronaldo has been celebrating since 2013, when he played for Real Madrid.
Djokovic also appeared to imitate Chelsea great Didier Drogba’s famous goal celebration.
Since then he brought him with him to Juventus, Manchester United and the Saudi club Al-Nassr, where he currently plays.
He has had a lot to celebrate this season, having scored 22 league goals.
Djokovic will begin his tournament on Saturday against unseeded Australian Aleksandar Vukic.
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas won his first match on Friday against Frenchman Lucas Pouille, claiming a 6-3, 6-2 victory.