Novak Djokovic challenges Rory McIlroy to tennis match for Masters prize after Wimbledon win over Stefanos Tsitsipas - ‘I want that jacket’

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Novak Djokovic was in a jovial mood on Wednesday night at Wimbledon, joking around with some of Europe’s Ryder Cup team - including Rory McIlroy - after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to move into the third round.

Highlights: Djokovic and Sinner survive first-round scares as Sabalenka breezes through

Video credit: SNTV

Djokovic was in a relaxed mood during his second round Wimbledon match, especially after moving into a two-set lead over Tsitsipas.

Heading towards a 12th successive victory over the Greek player, Djokovic could afford to let his professional aura slip - which he did while his opponent was off court.

Sitting down, the 24-time major winner decided it was time to adjust what looked like sports tape on his shoulder - and he enlisted the services of a ball kid to help.

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He handed her a pair of scissors, flinching away as she cut, before breaking into a smile and reassuring her that he was joking, and she had not, in fact, inadvertently injured one of the favourites for the title.

"I guess these kind of [jokes] can surface when you are two sets to love up rather than two sets down, but Stefanos went to change, and I had some spare time," Djokovic explained on-court afterwards.

"And I’m sorry, I don’t know if she’s around, I’m sorry if I scared her, it was probably not that great of a joke, I guess. Just made me a bit more relaxed."

Fortunately for the Serbian, the ball kid was still in attendance and the cameras showed she saw the funny side of the moment.

But he was not done there, especially given the match was being watched by several famous faces in the Royal Box.

Two-time Masters winner McIlroy was in attendance, along with Justin Rose, Luke Donald and a few other members of the Team Europe side who won the Ryder Cup on US soil last year.

But while Djokovic was quick to lead the crowd in a round of applause for McIlroy’s Masters triumph earlier this season, the seven-time Wimbledon winner had his eye on a certain item of clothing.

"I feel very privileged to be walking out on the court aged... 30-plus," he joked.

"Age is just a number, and a few people who know something about that are in the Royal Box, Rory [McIlroy], Justin [Rose], Luke [Donald], nice to see you guys. Congrats Team Europe on the Ryder Cup. I watched you guys.

"Rory what a beautiful jacket, is that a Masters jacket? It must be. Round of applause for Rory for Masters please.

"I want that jacket, I’ll play you - this jacket for that jacket! We play tennis, not golf!"

Djokovic has been walking out onto the court in a blazer of his own this Wimbledon, a white number to fit the club’s strict rules, with green piping.

Whether McIlroy would be interested in a swap remains to be seen. The Masters jacket is a coveted prize, one of the most famous in golf - but perhaps now he has two of them, he might be more tempted to take Djokovic up on his offer.

Rory McIlroy wears his green jacket at Wimbledon

Image credit: Getty Images

Although it might depend on exactly the rules of the tennis match Djokovic proposed - McIlroy might fancy his chances at something like the One Point Slam seen in Australia earlier this year.

One thing that is certain is that Djokovic is moving on to the third round at Wimbledon yet again, as he continues his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title.

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