Djokovic’s ‘Challenge For The Brave’ Goes Viral On Social Media

60 MINUTES/CBS

Novak Djokovic is used to causing viral sensations with his on-court exploits. Yet this week the World No. 1 has caused something of an online stir with an off-court display of physicality.

The 36-year-old Serbian set what he light-heartedly described as “a challenge for the brave” on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday when he posted a video of himself performing a stretching move for fans to try and replicate.

The idea for a ‘Novak Flexibility Challenge’ came about after Djokovic last week appeared on CBS’ television show 60 MINUTES in the United States. In an interview with the programme’s reporter Jon Wertheim, the 98-time tour-level titlist discussed his motivation to continue competing at the top level. The segment also featured a clip of him showcasing his flexibility during a warm-up immediately got fans talking.

A challenge for the brave 🤣 pic.twitter.com/t9V4FAnUkW

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) December 15, 2023

“I had a lot of people asking me about the piece that I did with 60 MINUTES,” said Djokovic in a video he posted to social media to kick-start the challenge. “Particularly there was one filming scene that I did in the gym, where I was stretching, and I thought, ‘Why not start a Novak flexibility challenge?’ ”

The response to Djokovic’s call was resounding, as a host of fans posted videos of themselves replicating Djokovic’s move. Two days after the original post, the ATP Tour great gave his judgement on the replies, writing: “Going through the videos now and wow.”

Even at the age of 36, Djokovic continues to light up the ATP Tour with his breathtaking athleticism. In 2023, it was one of the attributes that helped him win seven tour-level titles — including three Grand Slam crowns (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open) and the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals trophy.