French Open 2023: Is Novak Djokovic the new ‘Iron Man’, here’s what the tennis legend said

Paris: So what was that metallic-looking object about the size of a bottle cap taped to Novak Djokovic’s chest at the French Open? He was asked about it. He didn’t give a straight answer.

During the transition between the end of the first set and the start of the second, Djokovic flashed his red during the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s 7-6(2), 6-0, 6-3 win at the French Open 2023 on Wednesday night. Took off his polo shirt and put on another shirt instead. Nothing unusual there, especially after a set that lasted 1 1/2 hours.

Here’s what was unusual: TV cameras at Court Philippe Chatrier zoomed in on an object placed right in the middle of Djokovic’s chest. Commentators on the Tennis Channel broadcast joked about it having something to do with the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. on the big screen.

Novak Djokovic = @iron Man ,#Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/iwFBWRZCCr

– Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 31, 2023

Maybe someone told Djokovic about that observation. Because that’s the inaccurate explanation the 36-year-old father of two gave when a reporter wanted him to explain exactly what the item was.

Djokovic smiled and said, “I loved Iron Man when I was a kid, so I try to impersonate Iron Man.”

And then he went a step further. Djokovic said sarcastically, “My team provides an incredibly efficient nanotechnology to help me do my best on the court, so that’s the biggest secret of my career.” “If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here.”

Hmmmm. Perhaps the sequel to this saga will come on Friday. Only then will Djokovic continue his chase for a third title at the French Open – and what would be a men’s-record 23rd major championship overall, breaking a tie with rival Rafael Nadal – when he faces Spain’s No. 29 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina .