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Tennis legend Novak Djokovic expressed his astonishment upon discovering the number of Australian pet owners willing to share their ice cream with their dogs during a television appearance on Wednesday.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was featured on the Australian Open edition of the quiz show “The Hundred” on Channel Nine, alongside host Andy Lee and comedian Mike Goldstein. Djokovic’s surprise was evident not only at the answer but also at the nature of the question itself.
Djokovic’s shock was palpable from the outset, as he and Goldstein attempted to predict how a group of 100 Australians responded to a series of questions.
“Oh my god. That’s weird and rude,” Djokovic remarked to Lee.
He initially estimated that 16 percent of Australians would allow such behavior, but the actual figure turned out to be six percent.
Novak Djokovic grimaces as he gets asked how many Australians would let their dog take a lick of their ice cream on Nine’s Australian Open edition of The Hundred with Andy Lee
The Serbian icon’s reaction says it all as he discovers the number is far higher than he thought it would be, prompting him to ask what is wrong with Aussies
Host Andy Lee couldn’t contain his laughter as Djokovic squirmed in disgust
Following that, Lee posed another question: “Do you think Australians believe it’s acceptable to FaceTime in public, yes or no?”
‘I think it’s an obvious yes, honestly. It’s just Aussies are always outdoors, good weather, very outgoing, so I don’t think they mind, to be honest,’ Djokovic said.
He was wrong, with 58 per cent saying no.
Then came the question that made the Open icon cover his face in dismay.
‘What percentage of Australian dog owners would let their dog lick their ice cream?’ Lee asked.
‘What? Oh my god, I mean, this is… anything above 10 per cent will be ridiculous!’ Djokovic said.
When Goldstein guessed 25 per cent, the Serb exclaimed ‘oh my god!’ again.
Goldstein then made Djokovic squirm when he said, ‘I think a lot of dog owners, a lot of them have, you know, a very close relationship with their pets. And it also depends, like, where on your body is the ice cream located?’
The 38-year-old is attempting to win an incredible 11th title at Melbourne Park
‘Joker’ got off to a brilliant start with a vintage first-round victory in which he only dropped seven games
Lee revealed the answer came in at 19 per cent and the tennis legend replied, ‘Australia, what’s wrong with you?’
Djokovic’s appearance came after he started his Open campaign with a vintage display as he won his first-round match over Spain’s Pedro Martinez on Monday night.
He pulled out all his tricks with a combination of precision and power to claim a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory, his 100th at the Australian Open.
Djokovic has also notched 102 wins at Wimbledon and 101 at Roland Garros.
‘I mean, what can I say? I like the sound of it,’ he said.
‘Centurion is a nice feeling.
‘I’m blessed to be still playing, honestly, at this level. Making another win tonight is obviously a dream come true.’
The 38-year-old, at his 21st Open, is chasing a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title.
World No.4 Djokovic has been adamant he isn’t putting pressure on himself to surpass Margaret Court for the outright most singles slam titles, amid Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s recent dominance.
Pre-tournament, Djokovic noted he was lacking the ‘juice’ in his legs to go with the world No.1 and No.2 late in Slams, and would have to take care of his body in order to compete deep into the tournament.
Monday night’s match was exactly the type of ruthless affair needed if the super Serb is to do just that – with Djokovic hitting 49 winners and 14 aces.
‘It always feels good at the beginning of the tournament, let’s see how I progress,’ he said.