Novak Djokovic has been supporting the rising Serbian professional Hamad Medjedovic, who has lost more matches than won on the tour. Although Madjedovic has been on the tour for two years, he still has a long way to go before he can join his fellow countrymen at the highest level of the sport.
Medjedovic explained this development in an interview: “Novak Djokovic’s been helping me out financially. Giving me whatever I need for my career. He covered it all. He just helped me out when I needed it and is still helping me out in all types of ways. I’m glad he’s there for me.”
Despite having just a 7-9 win-loss record overall on the tour, Medjedovic defeated Sebastian Korda in a tiebreak to advance to the ATP 250 tournament semifinals in Astana last month. He is well-positioned to make it to the Next Gen Finals. Despite his winning record this year, he probably wants to show Djokovic that he still has it in him by winning more matches the following year.
Since establishing the Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade fifteen years ago, Djokovic has made it a point to assist up-and-coming Serbian tennis players. He has also called young Medjedovic following his victory in Mallorca.
He further said: “Would you believe who was the first to congratulate me on my title, Novak? When I picked up my phone, I saw his voice message lasting more than one minute. He is a legend because he is always available for advice.”
Medjedovic’s father confessed his conversation with Djokovic and said: “Novak is really trying hard for Hamad. In all ways—financially, mentally, and socially—I remember a conversation with Novak. We specifically talked about the steps in Hamad’s career. I pinched myself during that conversation to convince myself that all this was happening. He was giving me ideas about what to do about Hamad, and I remember saying to him: ‘Nole, I’m sorry, but it all costs money!’ He continues, suggests a coach, talks about how we will do what we will do,, and adds, ‘It’s up to Hamad to train; I’ll do the rest.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
Currently the world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 15th of September when he beat world no.26 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year the Serbian achieved a compiled 46-5 match record. Djokovic conquered 5 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Djokovic was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 30th of October.
Hamad Medjedovic in 2023
Ranked no.107, Hamad played his last match on the 21st of October when he was overcome by world no.163 Benjamin Hassan 6-2 5-7 7-6(3) in the qualifications in Basel (draw).
This year Hamad has an overall 42-21 record. Hamad conquered 3 titles in 2023 in the Szekesfehervar Challenger, the Mauthausen Challenger and the Mallorca Challenger.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 30th of October.
Novak Djokovic and Hamad Medjedovic have never faced off.