Novak Djokovic breaks into 'KPop Demon Hunters' dance after US Open quarterfinal win
Djokovic says victory over Taylor Fritz is 'a big present' for daughter Tara, who taught him the choreography for her eighth birthday
Novak Djokovic celebrated his U.S. Open quarterfinal victory over Taylor Fritz with a short dance routine he said was taught to him by his daughter, Tara, who turned 8 on Tuesday.
After meeting Fritz at the net following a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 win at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 24-time Grand Slam champion performed the moves to music from the film "KPop Demon Hunters," part of a lighthearted moment Djokovic called "a big present for" his daughter, who was not in Flushing Meadows.
"We are at home doing different choreographies, and this is one of them," Djokovic said during his on-court interview, adding, "Hopefully I'll make her smile when she wakes up in the morning." He explained the routine is based on the Sony Pictures/Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters," which has topped the streamer’s global rankings and inspired widespread fan art and cover performances online.
Djokovic’s victory over American Taylor Fritz sent him into the semifinals at Flushing Meadows and continued his bid for another major title. The match, decided in four sets, featured shifts in momentum after Djokovic won the first two sets, Fritz took the third, and Djokovic closed out the fourth to advance.
The moment underscored Djokovic’s frequent public blending of family life and competitive tennis. He has on several occasions acknowledged his family on court, and this performance — shared with the stadium crowd and television viewers — drew cheers and social-media attention.
Fans and viewers quickly circulated video of the on-court dance, mirroring broader interest in "KPop Demon Hunters," which has generated online covers, choreography tutorials and fan art since its release. Djokovic said the routine was one of several choreographies he practices at home with his children.
With the win, Djokovic remains on course in the tournament as he prepares for the semifinal round. Tournament officials will determine his next opponent following the completion of the remaining quarterfinal matches.