NOVAK DJOKOVIC bizarrely claimed he was ‘Iron Man’ after a mysterious coin-shaped merchandise was seen taped to his chest on the French Open.
The Serbian tennis celebrity progressed into the third spherical with a 7-6 6-0 6-3 win over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics final evening in Paris.
Novak Djokovic was noticed with a mysterious gadget on his chestCredit score: Stan. Sport
A zoomed-in picture reveals it’s a gadget referred to as a Taopatch
A Taopatch is a nanotechnology gadget that mixes acupuncture with mild remedy
After needing an unbelievable hour and 27 minutes to win the opening set, the 22-time Grand Slam champion modified his shirt on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier and the unusual piece was picked up by TV cameras.
Later, Djokovic obtained an identical round object from a ball woman – which had presumably been handed to her through his workforce within the stands – and he took off the primary one from his physique and connected the brand new one.
It led to followers and tennis pundits to match Djokovic to Tony Stark, the Marvel Universe comic-book character, who constructed a weaponised, technologically-advanced Iron swimsuit.
Former world No1 Jim Courier, who was commentating on the match for the Tennis Channel, stated: “One thing is taped to Novak.
“Have you ever ever seen Robert Downey Jr. in the identical room as Djokovic? Possibly Novak is Iron Man?”
Some speculated it was a Q Magnet, a therapeutic pain-relief device that claims to assist with continual ache or fatigue.
Djokovic, who is understood for his pseudo-science beliefs, was requested by journalists about ‘the pin on his breast’ however sometimes, he prevented giving the actual reply, offering a cryptic response as an alternative.
The reigning Wimbledon champion stated: “Once I was a child I appreciated Iron Man loads, so I attempt to impersonate Iron Man.
“You understand, my workforce delivers an extremely environment friendly nanotechnology to assist me ship my greatest on the court docket, in order that’s the most important secret of my profession.
“If it wasn’t for that, I most likely wouldn’t be sitting right here.”
It seems like Djokovic was carrying a Taopatch, which is a patented wearable nanotechnology gadget that mixes acupuncture with mild remedy.
Earlier than taking to court docket the night-time session, Nole had been instructed to not write pro-Kosovo messages once more at this yr’s match.
Djokovic joked he was emulating Marvel superhero Iron ManCredit score: Movie Firm
The 36-year-old scribbled “Kosovo is the guts of Serbia – Cease the violence” on a Roland Garros digicam following his first-round win on Monday.
It adopted a weekend of rising tensions and violence between his native Serbia, NATO peacekeepers and neighbouring Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008.
Whereas the phrases themselves didn’t violate any Grand Slam guidelines, French tennis bosses had a chat with Djokovic and his workforce, reminding him of his tasks in the course of the clay-court match.
France’s sports activities minister Amelie Oudea-Castera criticised his actions, saying: “If you carry messages about defending human rights, messages that convey folks collectively round common values, a sportsperson is free to specific them.
“However on this case it was a message that could be very activist, that could be very political.
Djokovic is competing within the French Open and eradicated Marton FucsovicsCredit score: Getty
“You shouldn’t get entangled, particularly within the present circumstances, and it shouldn’t occur once more.”
Late on Wednesday evening, Djokovic defended his place, saying it’s one thing he “stands for”.
Nevertheless he accepts that it’s uncommon he would sail via a serious fortnight with out courting some type of controversy.
The world No3 stated: “After all I’m conscious that lots of people would disagree, however it’s what it’s.
“It’s one thing that I stand for. In order that’s all.
“You understand, a drama-free Grand Slam, I don’t assume it will probably occur for me. You understand, I suppose that drives me as effectively.
“I’ve no extra touch upon that. I stated what I wanted to say.”