Tennis icon Novak Djokovic could not hide his revulsion when he found out how many Aussie pet owners would let their dogs lick their ice cream during a TV appearance on Wednesday.
The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion was starring on the Australian Open version of Channel Nine’s The Hundred quiz show with Andy Lee and comedian Mike Goldstein when he was appalled by the question, not just the answer.
Djokovic was dismayed right from the first question he received on the segment, which saw him and Goldstein try to guess how 100 Australians answered a range of questions.
The first question – what percentage of Australian parents would admit that they have an ugly baby – left ‘Joker’ stunned.
‘Oh my god. That’s weird and rude,’ he told Lee.
Djokovic guessed 16 per cent, but six was the correct answer.
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
Next up, Lee asked, ‘Do you think Australians think it’s OK 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.
