Novak Djokovic reveals 'special relationship' with a tree that has lasted 15 years at Australian Open

Djokovic is aiming to win his record-extending 11th Australian Open next week.

He has overcome Dino Prizmic and Alexei Popyrin in his first two matches, dropping a set in both of them.

No other male player has triumphed more than six times at the first Grand Slam of the calendar year.

So it is no surprise that Melbourne holds a special place in Djokovic's heart.

But since winning his first title in 2008, he has secretly been visiting a specific tree.

Djokovic said: "There's one particular tree that I've been having [a] special relationship with, so to say, in the last 15 years."

The 36-year-old has posted pictures of himself around trees on social media at several points in his career.

But it appears none come close to the one in Melbourne.

He added: "I got connected with that tree. I just liked it.

"I liked its roots and the trunks and branches and everything.

"So I started climbing it years ago. That's it. I just have a connection.

"I love every corner of [the] botanical gardens.

"I think it's [an] incredible treasure for Melbourne to have such a park and nature in the middle of the city."

However, Djokovic would not reveal the exact place where the tree sits.

He said: "I cannot reveal which one, I'll try to keep it discreet for myself when I'm there to have my own time."

Meanwhile, Djokovic was involved in an altercation with a fan during Wednesday's win over Popyrin.

He appeared to call out the supporter who had been heckling him.

Djokovic explained the incident when speaking to Eurosport after the match, admitting the behaviour of the crowd annoyed him.

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He said: "Yeah I was feeling really a lot of mixed emotions today on the court.

"Not a great atmosphere to play in to be honest for me but again you have to find a way to win and accept the circumstances, conditions you're playing in.

"People basically made noise between the first and second serve the entire match.

"It is what it is, it's a Grand Slam, it's a fight. Of course it annoys you but at the same time you have to accept it and go with it.

"But you know what really frustrates me is when someone is heckling. So I confronted the hecklers as I did.

"I invited a guy to come and tell it to my face whatever he was saying and he was saying a lot of nice things.

"So he was apologising from far away and all of a sudden there was absence of courage when he needs to face me."