Novak Djokovic leads applause for Rory McIlroy before making cheeky offer to golf icon

Novak Djokovic called out Rory McIlroy with a cheeky offer for his Masters green jacket at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Djokovic eased into the third round of the Grand Slam with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up a meeting with Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.

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And the Serbian picked out the Northern Irishman, who was in the royal box sporting his green Masters jacket as Djokovic suggested a game of tennis in a winner-takes-all clash.

In a fresh white number with green piping to match the strict Wimbledon dress code, Djokvoic began: “I feel great. I’ve said this so many times before but I try not to take this moment for granted, playing on Centre Court of the childhood dream tournament.

“I’ve always been saying that, it stayed like that. I feel very privileged to be walking out on the court at age 30 plus.

“I don’t think it’s a cliche and I believe it’s actually true, age is just a number and a few people that know something about that are right in the royal box.

“Rory, Justin [Thomas], obviously Luke [Donald], it’s nice to see you guys. Congrats Team Europe on the Ryder Cup, I watched you guys.”

Djokovic’s cheeky offer

It was then that Djokovic laid down the gauntlet to McIlroy.

“Rory, what a beautiful jacket. Is that a Masters jacket? It must be. Round of applause for Rory for the Masters, please,” he continued.

“I want that jacket. I’ll play you. This jacket for that jacket, we’ll play tennis! No golf.

Getty

Getty

“I want to thank them obviously for being present.

“I know they arrived early and stayed all day so thank you guys. It really means a lot seeing you here.”

The famous green Masters jacket is one of the most covered prizes in golf, and McIlroy now has two having won in Augusta back in April, and in 2025.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is hoping to land a 25th career Grand Slam at Wimbledon this year.

However, he has fierce competition form Jannik Sinner, who remains the outright favourite to successfully defend his men’s singles crown.