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Novak Djokovic drew a big cheer from the fans at the Rugby World Cup Final as he appeared on the big screen at the State de France.
The world No 1 tennis player was an interested spectator as South Africa beat New Zealand in a nail-biting contest that decided a World Cup that started in early September.
He was captured chatting to British singer-songwriter Rita Ora during an intense match that provided a fitting conclusion to a fine competition.
It is not clear how much Djokovic knows about rugby as he has not spoken about the sport, but he spoke earlier on Saturday about his passion to watch and play other sports.
He took part in a star-studded golf contest prior to the Ryder Cup last month as he took some time away from tennis and it seems he is trying to embrace as many sports as possible after his appearance at the rugby.
“I did try to use my free time to play golf, to follow other sports, as well,” he told the media in Paris.
“I’m a big fan of basketball. So I followed all the Belgrade club matches. As far as golf is concerned, I’m not at the same level as tennis, definitely (smiling).
“But I made most of my free time, I have to say. I made sure to have some quality time with my family. Over the last three weeks I have practiced a lot, I have done a lot of physical preparation to make sure that I was ready for the end of the season.
“The work that we have done over the last month was aiming at making me more precise, more accurate, because I knew that I didn’t have so much time afterwards for the end of the season. So I’m quite satisfied with all these weeks of free time that I spent.
But tennis, I’m missing tennis, you know. I’m missing competitions, as well. Especially here in Paris. I can feel the support. And I think that I can deliver here.”
Djokovic was a close friend of basketball icon Kobe Bryant prior to tragic death in a helicopter crash and he has also developed close friendships with soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NFL star Tom Brady.
“I try to maintain and nurture relationships with athletes from different sports because, as an athlete, of course I relate to them, I identify myself with what they are doing, and. I can understand the pain, the sacrifice, the dedication,” said Djokovic last month.
“I respect the greatness, especially the guys that have made it to an all-time great level in their respective sports.
“Those are the kind of people that you want to be around. You want to learn things from them because you never know, there are things that can be so inspirational.”
Djokovic is in Paris to play at the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 event and you can catch all the action throughout that tournament on Tennis365.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic says young, hungry players drive him to keep improving
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