World No.1 Novak Djokovic won the ‘Blink Challenge’ against Naomi Osaka, and other tennis players at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in the California desert. Djokovic was the only player not to blink for two minutes and 15 seconds.
Eight players including Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev , Angelique Kerber, Iga Swiatek, Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka, and Novak Djokovic were put to a challenge to keep their eyes open for as long as possible. Australian Open champion Sabalenka and Swiatek were the first to be eliminated.
Gauff followed suit after the 16th second. Taylor Fritz was the first men’s player to be eliminated with just 19 seconds. Angelique Kerber left at the 26th second, despite trying to hold on. Osaka was the only person who talked throughout the challenge, as she fought alongside Djokovic and Medvedev.
Osaka said:
This is like a hidden talent I have because of so many shoots. Naomi Osaka said
Djokovic kept a serious look and without saying a word kept his eyes wide open. Medvedev was mumbling but wasn’t audible enough as he kept his eyes on the camera. Osaka gave up the challenge at 1 minute 23 seconds.
The former US Open champion said before her elimination:
The problem is my eyes are watering, and I am no longer able to see any of you. Naomi Osaka added
Djokovic and Medvedev were left but the Russian blinked 1 minute and 39 seconds. The 36-year-old Serb then claimed his win by headbutting the camera while recording at 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka exit Indian Wells in third round
Novak Djokovic was stunned by Italian Luca Nardi in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. The No.123 earned the biggest win of his career when he defeated the 24-time Grand Slam Champion 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Djokovic, who was hoping for his first title of the season would have hope he returns to form in Miami. Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka also ended her Indian Wells in a painful loss to 24th seed Elise Mertens 7-5, 6-4 in the third round.
Despite, having improved her game, the resilient Mertens gave her a slim chance in the match. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz still kept their spot, as the tournament heads into the quarterfinals stage.
More must-reads: