Novak Djokovic violin celebration at Wimbledon explained: Everything we know

Novak Djokovic winning at Wimbledon has been a familiar sight throughout the seven-time champion’s glittering career but this year the occasion has been marked by a new sight, the Serb imitating playing the violin with his racket.

In both of his third and fourth-round victories over Alexei Popyrin and Holger Rune, the 37-year-old celebrated his triumphs by walking back onto the centre of the court, taking in applause before putting his racket on his shoulder and pretending to play it like a violin.

But having not celebrated in such a manner throughout his two-decade-long career in professional tennis, many fans were perplexed at his reaction, only for him to later explain the musical showing.

"That was for Tara,” Djokovic said, referring to his six-year-old daughter. "My daughter has been playing violin for some time already, six months, and we agreed that I would celebrate that way."

He was then asked if he admired any other sporting celebrations, to which he replied: "[Usain] Bolt! [Cristiano] Ronaldo and that 'sui'. I also like [Andre] Agassi's wave with a kiss and when he bows. Guga [Kuerten] at Roland Garros with heart, [Jo-Wilfred] Tsonga had that interesting football one, there are interesting ones.

"[Jude] Bellingham, he simply spreads his arms, [Carlos] Alcaraz did that, I did that at Roland Garros. It is interesting and fun that we can take it from other sports, combine sports, it travels quickly through networks. Everyone has something of their own, I changed it, it depends on the moment and feelings, now I have a violin.”

Novak and Tara clearly share a special bond, as the second seed was also captured in a heartwarming moment playing with his children as nine-year-old Stefan joined in when the pair were wrestling playfully and laughing.

The clip was titled “Novak on dad duty” as he bounced on exercise balls with his children at Wimbledon, enjoying some family time between matches as he aims to match Roger Federer’s record of eight SW19 wins this year.

But on the court, Djokovic is as driven as ever, with Alex de Minaur up next and the Serb is fully aware of the challenge that lies before him.

“He (De Minaur) probably is the quickest mover we have on the tour, if not the quickest guy on the tour,” Djokovic said. “I mean, he has improved so much I think in the last year and a half really.

“I played him in the fourth round of Australian Open last year, 2023. I played a terrific match really. But from that match until today, watching his progress, seeing him get into top 10, is not a surprise really.

“I mean, he's always had that speed. He's always had that incredible defence and really crafty hands on all the surfaces, particularly the quicker ones. I mean, Lleyton Hewitt is in his corner, a mentor and a coach and someone that has been with him for many years. I think it's a great matchup because they mesh well together because of the styles of play.”

And Djokovic will certainly be hoping that he can bust out the violin once again.