Djokovic Breaks Out 'KPop Demon Hunters' Dance After U.S. Open Win for Daughter's Birthday
24-time Grand Slam champion celebrates quarterfinal victory over Taylor Fritz with a dance taught by his 8-year-old daughter
NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic celebrated his U.S. Open quarterfinal victory over Taylor Fritz with a playful dance to music from the movie "KPop Demon Hunters" that he said was taught to him by his daughter, Tara.
Djokovic beat Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to advance to the semifinals, then broke into the choreography after meeting his opponent at the net. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said the win was "a big present for" Tara, who turned 8 on Tuesday and was not at Flushing Meadows.
In an on-court interview, Djokovic said he and his daughter practice "different choreographies" at home and that one of them was from the Sony Pictures/Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters," which has topped the streamer's global rankings. "Hopefully I'll make her smile when she wakes up in the morning," he said.
The lighthearted moment followed a match in which Djokovic used a blend of aggressive baseline play and timely serving to close out the victory in four sets. After dropping the third set, he regained control in the fourth, closing out points with a mixture of backhand winners and consistent first serves.
Fans of the movie and the film's music have generated widespread online content, including artwork, covers and viral videos, some of which the champion referenced when explaining the dance. Djokovic's gesture highlighted the growing crossover between sports figures and popular culture trends.
Djokovic's win moves him into the U.S. Open semifinals as he chases another Grand Slam title. He has previously used on-court celebrations to acknowledge family and supporters, and this occasion combined personal celebration with the kind of viral cultural moment that has become common around major sporting events.
Taylor Fritz, who reached the quarterfinals with aggressive groundstrokes and a strong serving display, congratulated Djokovic at the net. Both players left the court to the applause of fans who had witnessed a competitive match that ended on a playful note.
Djokovic is scheduled to play in the semifinals later in the tournament; the opponent and date will be determined by the remaining quarterfinal results.