The China Open tennis tournament began in Beijing over the weekend, but before the games that counted, there was this, a “Battle of the Sexes” between the world’s top player, Novak Djokovic, and China’s very own Li Na.
The exhibition itself — just one set — wasn’t particularly newsworthy, with the players exchanging a bunch of volleys, Li Na committing Li Na-like unforced errors, and Novak Djokovic letting a bunch of shots go past him (including at least one serve for an ace). The fans seemed to like it though.
At the end, Djokovic was asked to say a few words, so he said in Chinese, “Hello everyone.” (Raucous cheers.) “I love you guys, I love China.” (Awwww.)
“How was his Chinese?” an interviewer in a black suit asks Li Na.
“He absolutely has the ability to live a while in China,” she replies.
China continues to like this guy.
Speaking Chinese:
