Novak Djokovic found himself apologising to Australian journalists after mixing up two of the country's most storied AFL clubs during his post-match press conference at the Australian Open.
The 38-year-old Serbian, who has progressed to the third round as the fourth seed, incorrectly named Essendon when attempting to recall which club's facilities were located near Melbourne Park.
Australians in the room swiftly corrected the 24-time Grand Slam champion, informing him the nearby team was actually Collingwood.
"Collingwood. Sorry, my bad. I know there's a big rivalry. I apologise," Djokovic said upon realising his error.
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The 10-time champion has been a fixture at the tournament for more than two decades, having first competed in the main draw back in 2005 against eventual winner Marat Safin.
His initial visit to Australia came even earlier, in 2003, when he participated in the junior event.
Throughout those years, Djokovic has witnessed significant transformation at the venue.
Novak Djokovic found himself apologising to Australian journalists after mixing up two of the country's most storied AFL clubs during his post-match press conference at the Australian Open
|REUTERS
This year's edition has attracted record crowds, with more than 100,000 spectators passing through the gates during the opening days of main draw action across both day and night sessions.
Reflecting on his earliest experiences at the venue, Djokovic recalled using what was then known as "Gym B", situated across the road from the tennis complex.
It was at this point the Serbian's memory failed him regarding the identity of the AFL club whose facilities players had access to.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PACollingwood, who play their home matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground located just across from Melbourne Park, also train at nearby Gosch's Paddock.
The rivalry between Collingwood and Essendon stretches back more than three decades, with the two sides first meeting in the now-famous Anzac Day clash in 1995, which honours Australian and New Zealand service personnel.
Djokovic expressed admiration for how the Australian Open has developed over the years, praising the tournament's commitment to continuous improvement.
"I like when the tournament is nurturing a mindset of always wanting to improve and get better in terms of facility, providing better conditions for players to practice, play, recover," he said.
The Serbian highlighted the expansion of amenities, including the National Tennis Centre with its indoor courts, additional practice facilities, enhanced recovery options, expanded locker rooms and improved player dining.
Novak Djokovic is through to the third round of the Australian Open
|REUTERS
"I think Australia has always been one of the best in that. So I don't see any negatives there," Djokovic added, noting the current challenge lies in managing the substantial crowds entering the venue.
Djokovic's first victory Down Under came all the way back in 2008, when he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.
Since then, he has won crowns there in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
Whether he can go all the way again this winter remains to be seen, having reached the third round with victory over Francesco Maestrelli.