Novak Djokovic opens up on 15-year relationship with tree that has inspired him to ten Australian Open titles

NOVAK DJOKOVIC confessed he is in a 15-year relationship... with a tree.

And he credits the secret love affair for helping him dominate at the Australian Open as he eyes his 11th title Down Under.

Djokovic won his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne in 2008 and has not lost any of his ten finals on the Rod Laver Arena.

That includes four against Andy Murray and beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 12 months ago.

He is the hot favourite to reign supreme once again next Sunday.

And the Serb has revealed his superstitious connection with flora that sees him visit his special sapling in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens - where he has so often posed with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup the day after winning his finals.

Djokovic - who eats a plant-based diet - likes to go to see the tree between matches, reconnecting with nature as a chance to unwind after the stresses on the court.

Quizzed about his special friendship, 24-time major champ Djokovic said: "It is true.

"That particular tree, I cannot reveal which one, I'll try to keep it discreet for myself when I'm there to have my own time.

"I like to ground myself and connect with that old friend.

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"I liked its roots and the trunks and branches and everything. So I started climbing it years ago. That's it. I just have a connection."

Dad-of-two Djokovic, married to high-school sweetheart Jelena since 2014, added: “I do obviously like to visit certain places that have brought me luck and made me feel good.

“For example, the Botanic Gardens just nearby — it’s a wonderful park where I like to spend time and just be by myself in nature... hugging trees and climbing trees and stuff.

“I love to do that, so I’ve done that for the last 15 years, and whether that’s a secret of success here in Australia or not, I don’t know, but it has definitely made me feel good.”

Djokovic overcame rows with fans in both his opening two rounds at the 2024 Australian Open to book his spot in round three.

Firstly, he was furious at supporters moving between games - as he did not know a new rule is being trialled at Melbourne Park this fortnight.

Then against Aussie Alexei Popyrin, the Serb called out a "jerk" of a supporter for heckling him - daring the spectator: "Come and say that in my face.";

Djokovic expressed his frustration and annoyance at the incident after directing his celebration at the fan when he wrapped up the four-set win.

Then commentator Nick Kyrgios joked he would step in and do some WWE if the world No1 wanted.

Kyrgios, who is known for his on-court altercations, replied: "When he was heckling, I said if you want me to jump into the crowd and sort him out I will. I've got your back bro 100 per cent."

Djokovic will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry for a place in the fourth round, with the Argentine beating Andy Murray in round one.