By Sandra Harwitt

Stop eating that grass, Novak. Instead, why not call out for a nice bowl of gluten-free pasta?

Tennis fans must remember that a jet-lagged Serena Williams made international headlines a couple of weeks ago at the Hopman Cup when she laughingly asked an umpire if she could order a coffee to the court, specifically an expresso for its high content of caffeine. 

Could take-out orders delivered to the court be the wave of the future?

Probably not, although it’s clear that many tournaments try to outdo each other with the perks they provide to players.

At the Australian Open on Tuesday one reporter asked world No. 1 Novak Djokovic what he would order if delivery service was available.

Here’s what the Djoker had to say: “I wasn’t thinking about that, honestly about the Chinese and a beer and the coffee, because I’m not a fan of those three things. But I guess, judging by what she did, it opens up a new chapter of rules I guess on the tennis court. Maybe we need to explore more and see what you’re able and what you’re not able to order. Maybe you can order some delivery service, as you mentioned. I don’t know. Something that comes to your mind. But it’s understandable. Some people can’t live without coffee in the morning. It keeps them going. I guess that helped her in that match. It wouldn’t help me because I’m not a fan of coffee.”