Novak Djokovic acknowledges that his early experiences with the war still affect him in certain ways, stating that hearing fireworks go off brings back memories of the distress the conflict caused him.
Djokovic was born in Belgrade in 1987, three years before the Yugoslav wars began; thus, he witnessed and experienced war at a young age. However, Djokovic’s most horrific event did not occur until 1999, during the 11-week NATO bombing of Belgrade from March to June.
Djokovic was only eleven when NATO began bombing Serbia, and he was taking refuge every day. Throughout his career, Djokovic has frequently discussed the hardships and obstacles he faced during that time, as well as how the 11 weeks that NATO bombed Belgrade inspired and drove him to accomplish great things for Serbia on the international front.
In an open and honest discussion about those 11 weeks in 1999, Djokovic appeared on the Today Show with Karl Stefanovic.
Djokovic said in his interview with the Today Show: “We’ve been through two wars. For four years, from 1992 to ’96, no Serbian athlete could travel abroad for any competitions. It was a very challenging time. It just toughens you up. It could have gone another way, but I believe it was kind of a destiny for me to play tennis and to be able to achieve these great things.”
Djokovic added: “I don’t know to what extent, but there is some connection to my upbringing. I was 12 when we had bombings nonstop for two and a half months, day and night. At times, it appears, mostly when I hear fireworks. When I hear that sound, it reminds me of those bombs exploding, grenades, and stuff. It’s not super pleasant; I still have a bit of trauma.”
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWWWL Now ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 26th of January when he was defeated by world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3 in the semifinal of the Australian Open (draw).
This season the Serbian owns a composed 7-2 match record. Novak Djokovic’s latest run at the Australian Open was the best achievement of his season.
Djokovic has scheduled to play next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
