Maria Sharapova recounts time she went to dinner with Novak Djokovic after lost bet

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• Novak Djokovic

Maria Sharapova reveals she once went to a dinner with Novak Djokovic after losing a bet to the Serb. Sharapova, a former five-time Grand Slam champion, is also 36 years old like Djokovic but the difference is that the Russian has been retired since the 2020 Australian Open.

Appearing on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Sharapova was asked about Djokovic's astonishing longevity and getting to 24 Grand Slams at the age of 36. "Oh god, no, I have this funny story with Novak. I remember we had won our first Grand Slams, it was at the time he was getting there, getting to the top and his body was not at the level of his tennis.

We played this mini-exhibition at Indian Wells. I don't remember what the bet was, but he said if he won the bet, we're gonna go to dinner. And I was like, 'Okay, fine, whatever, like it's going to happen' And then he ended up winning and was like, 'Yeah, we're going to dinner.'

And it was so funny, he was like (at the dinner), 'Can we take a photo?' I know him very well and it's incredible to see how passionate he is, and this element of longevity he has, how he treats his body, how his preparations are, it's fascinating," Sharapova said on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, via Sportskeeda.

Sharapova applauds Djokovic's longevity

In May, Djokovic turned 36 years old. But when it comes to his physical health and fitness, Djokovic still seems to be looking as good as ever.

After winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, Djokovic highlighted that he doesn't see a reason why he would stop now. This year, Djokovic became the first-ever male player with 24 Grand Slams. In 2024, Djokovic will attempt to become the first-ever tennis player male or female to win 25 Grand Slams.