Novak Djokovic violin celebration explained after Serbian confused Wimbledon fans in latest win
Novak Djokovic played an imaginary violin after his win
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Novak Djokovic has explained that his violin celebration after beating Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon was a tribute to his daughter, Tara, who has started playing the musical instrument this year.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion had to dig deep against Australian surprise package Popyrin, who took the opening set in their third-round match on Saturday.
The Centre Court crowd loved Popyin's huge serve and one-handed backhand as Djokovic took his time to try and work out a way to get past a tricky opponent.
But, as Djokovic has done throughout his career, the Serb didn't panic and eventually found a formula that worked and he soon got on top before wrapping things up in just over three hours.
Novak Djokovic played an imaginary violin after his win
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The 37-year-old took in the applause from the Centre Court crowd after the match as he walked back into the middle before holding his racket on his shoulder and playing an imaginary violin.
The gesture caused some confusion online with many asking what the meaning behind the celebration was.
But Djokovic explained the celebration to Serbian media, adding it was a tribute for his daughter.
He said: "That was for Tara.
"My daughter has been playing violin for some time already, six months, and we agreed that I would celebrate that way."
Djokovic was then asked whether there were any celebrations from other athletes he admired before naming a long list.
He replied: "[Usain] Bolt! [Cristiano] Ronaldo and that 'sui'.
"I also like 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.
Novak Djokovic's wife loved the celebration
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"[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.
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Novak Djokovic had some fun with his celebration
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"[Radek] Stepanek was the first to do that, I joked with him, he had that celebration, we even remembered when I played against him at the US Open in 2007 in five sets in some great heat.
"It was some crazy point, then he did it, then I responded to him with a point or two, it dates from then.
"Djokovic faces Holger Rune in the next round of Wimbledon for a place in the quarter-finals.