When Novak Djokovic secured his history-making seventh Australian Open title last night, you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
He theatrically got down on his knees to kiss the ground of Rod Laver Arena.
He passionately fist pumped the air to the roars from the crowd.
He threw his head back and laughed with the unbridled joy of a champion.
But – in a much softer moment amid the ecstatic celebratory outbursts – he displayed a sweet gesture towards a young ball boy that truly captures the world number one’s family-man character.
As is tradition after the Australian Open final, the hardworking ball kids pose for photos with the winner and trophy.
But for one lucky ball boy, he was treated to much more than just a photo next to the trophy.
As the cameras flashed, Djokovic turned to the young man next to him to ask whether he’d like to hold the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
The boy – whose face was transformed into an expression of pure joy – couldn’t believe his luck as the Australian Open champion picked up the prestigious trophy and handed it straight to him.
Novak Djokovic asking ball boy if he wants to hold the trophy and then giving it to him #AusOpen ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/lTzueKQMzl
— Asparagus Hardcourterer (@samstennis189) January 27, 2019
