Ellen Discovers Djokovic's Weakness

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres may have discovered Novak Djokovic’s weakness: Smashing his own face in front of a television audience.

Djokovic, who is scheduled to start his Miami Open title defence on Friday, recently stopped by “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to talk about his on-court success, his family and his biggest competitors. He and DeGeneres even made time for a little tennis.

The World No. 1 agreed with DeGeneres when she said he’s playing the best tennis of his career.

“Yes, absolutely at the peak of my abilities at the moment… I managed to put many things together in private and professional life so I found that harmony and balance that allows me to use my full potential on the tennis court,” said Djokovic, who is married and has a 17-month-old son, Stefan. “I’m just trying to cherish every moment spent on court.”

DeGeneres asked the Serb to name his biggest competitor. The five-time Miami champion rattled off Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. He also named possible future challengers, including Canadian Milos Raonic and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.

“It’s good for sport,” Djokovic said of the younger generation. “Sport needs rivalries, but also sports needs some new generations and new players that are challenging for major titles.”

He and DeGeneres also scheduled a practice.

She said she plans to attend the men’s Wimbledon final in July. Djokovic suggested they hit a couple of balls on the grass, to which DeGeneres jokingly agreed.

Later they tried to smash Djokovic’s face. The two stood in front of a board and tried to hit tennis balls through eight circles wearing Djokovic’s smiles.

“Why is it only my face?” he said.

“Because it’s a game we’re calling smash your face,” DeGeneres said.

“My own face,” Djokovic said.

DeGeneres hit a face on her second attempt and drew cheers from Djokovic and the crowd.

“How can you smash such a beautiful face?” he said.

Djokovic served a ball through a face on his fifth attempt.