Novak Djokovic Appeared on Cold as Balls
Tennis star Novak Djokovic joined host Kevin Hart for an ice bath interview on the Netflix series.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Tennis
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Novak Djokovic appeared as a guest on Kevin Hart's show Cold as Balls, which was released on Netflix on September 20, 2026. The 39-year-old athlete participated in the program's signature ice bath format during the episode.
Why it matters
The appearance offers a lighthearted look at the tennis legend following a challenging season that saw him exit the 2026 US Open in the first round. The segment arrives while the 24-time Grand Slam champion occupies the 12th spot in the current ATP live rankings.
Novak Djokovic currently holds 24 Grand Slam titles and is ranked 12th in the latest ATP live rankings. The 39-year-old plans to conclude his professional tennis career at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The players
Novak Djokovic
He is a 39-year-old professional tennis player who has secured a record-tying 24 Grand Slam titles during his career.
Kevin Hart
He is a comedian and host of the Netflix series Cold as Balls, a show featuring interviews conducted while the guests are in ice baths.
The details
During the interview, Djokovic discussed his career and current standing while submerged in an ice bath with host Kevin Hart. The episode serves as a notable media appearance for the veteran player as he navigates the later stages of his competitive schedule.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: The episode featuring Novak Djokovic was released on Netflix.
September 30, 2026: Novak Djokovic is scheduled to begin play at the China Open.
2028: Novak Djokovic intends to retire following the Los Angeles Olympics.
Season Trajectory
Novak Djokovic is currently managing his transition into the final phase of his career as he looks toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics retirement. His appearance on the show highlights a shift toward media ventures during a season marked by early exit results at the 2026 US Open.
The 12th-ranked player will look to improve his standing at the upcoming China Open after a disappointing first-round loss at the 2026 US Open. His current ATP live ranking and physical recovery remain critical variables for his success in the final years of his career.
The takeaway
Djokovic's participation in mainstream entertainment reflects a broader trend of top-tier athletes leveraging off-court media to build their personal brands. Fans can watch for his performance at the China Open to see if he can rebound from his recent tournament results.
What happens next
Novak Djokovic is scheduled to compete in the China Open, with matches beginning on September 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on professional tennis, visit Tennis.
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