French Open fans notice 'magic powder' delivered to Novak Djokovic match

Tennis fans were left intrigued by a mysterious jar that was delivered to courtside during Novak Djokovic’s late-night win over Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic endured the latest finish in French Open history against Italian Musetti to reach the fourth round of the tournament.

The world number one and defending champion’s match was pushed back due to the constant rain. The Serbian great finally emerged victorious from the five-set ordeal in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some of the fans fighting sleep during the match perked up when a container which had 'power drink' written on it was delivered from a coach who had been in the stands, believed to be for Musetti. Viewers were left wondering what was inside, with some branding it “magic powder”. It's unclear whether or not the powder was delivered after it was handed over to one of the ball girls and who it was for but some claimed it was for Musetti.

There had been speculation on social media that it might have been for Djokovic after he was seen in deep conversation with an official at the same time as the powder was handed over. However, a fan pointed out: “1. That was Musetti's team giving him that. 2. Novak [who was talking to an official at the time] was asking for the court to be swept again. Those who watched know.”

Another added: “Exactly... this had NOTHING TO DO WITH DJOKOVIC.” A third said: “You know that ‘potion’ was for Musetti, right? That wasn’t for Djokovic.”

The jar contained a branded powder-based energy drink called 'X-treme power drink'. It is not uncommon for athletes and tennis players to use such supplements during competition. On the brand's website, the jar is described as a "powdered drink to create isotonic energy drink enriched with carbohydrates, mineral salts and vitamins".

Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that the drink was different to what Djokovic has been seen using in the past. The Serb caused a stir at the French Open back in 2022 when his team were seen huddling around each other mixing a drink, which Djokovic has since called his 'magic potion'. He was initially coy about what the drink was but has since revealed it is an electrolyte drink called Sila - Djokovic is also a shareholder at the company.

Djokovic will need all the help he can get if he is to go deep at the French Open after another gruelling encounter on Monday night. He limped into the quarter-finals after coming through the longest Roland Garros match of his career as he defeated Francisco Cerundolo in another five-setter 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 in four hours and 39 minutes.

However, his tournament may not go any further due to a knee injury which troubled him during the contest. Djokovic will have a scan today (Tuesday) to determine the severity of the issue.

“I guess we’ll do some more screening and tests and check-ups tomorrow, as well,” he said on Monday.

“We have done some with the doctor right now after the match. Some positive news but also some maybe concerns, so let’s see tomorrow. I can’t tell you more about it at the moment.”

Djokovic blamed the slippery court for the injury he appeared to sustain at the start of the second set. He began grimacing and rubbing his right knee shortly after taking the first set and required a medical time-out at 2-1 down in the second.

Djokovic was heard telling the physio: “I screwed up my knee. I’m slipping and sliding all the time.” Four games later he complained to a tournament supervisor about the state of the court, saying: “I’m telling you as a player, it’s not OK.”

When the official told Djokovic the grounds people felt the surface was fine, the Serbian snapped: “They know better than me the court is good or not?”