Novak Djokovic cycles around Paris, almost gets sideswiped by driver

Just hours before his second-round French Open match, tennis legend Novak Djokovic ditched the baseline and hopped on a bike, taking a spin through the streets of one of the world’s great cycling cities, Paris. But his relaxed ride nearly turned dicey when a driver tried to right-hook him near the Arc de Triomphe.

“It’s great to see Paris from the bicycle. I think it’s just more fun. You’re not stuck in traffic. With the car, at times, it can be frustrating for whatever reason,” Djokovic told a press conference at the French Open following a match, as reported by the Associated Press. “But with the bicycle, it’s just beautiful.”

Djokovic, 38, kitted out in a dark blue tracksuit, sneakers, and a helmet, was spotted pedaling through the notoriously hectic traffic circle at the Arc de Triomphe—arguably one of the least bike-friendly intersections in Europe.

Sure, nice and all, but looks like he also got slammed by drivers twice in 20s seconds: https://t.co/rBstjBvuRq

— Momentum Mag (@MomentumMag) May 30, 2025

Although Paris is an incredible city for cycling, some stretches of roadway still are not safe, such as here. The video clearly shows Djokovic almost hit by an overzealous driver trying to make a right turn, and another person he was with actually lightly hit by another car with someone taking a video of the tennis star.

The person called out, “I love you!” and the Serbian star laughed, replying, “I love you too,” without missing a pedal stroke.

“We were kind of trying our luck a little bit with that roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe. To be honest, at one point, we had cars all over the place. It was quite an adrenaline experience, but I don’t think I will repeat that, especially in that environment where we were filmed,” he said. “Probably in all other streets, it’s much more safe.”

Fresh off that close call, Djokovic returned to the courts the next day and gutted out a second-round win over France’s Corentin Moutet, despite dealing with a blister on his left big toe.

Pro Tip for Visiting Cyclists: If you’re tempted to follow in Djokovic’s tire tracks, maybe skip the Arc and stick to the city’s growing network of protected bike lanes—voies cyclables—especially after dark.