In the Brutalist housing complex of Banjica, a residential area just south of downtown Belgrade, murals of Serbia’s most cherished figures adorn the concrete walls. Among these revered images, the murals of Novak Djokovic stand out, capturing the heart and soul of the nation. For many, including his former coach Boris Becker, Djokovic is not just a tennis star but a symbol of national pride and resilience.
In an exclusive interview with Serbian magazine Sportal, Becker reflected on Djokovic’s immense popularity in Serbia and his responsibilities on the grand stage of sports.
“I don’t know if you understand the importance of Novak Djokovic in Serbia. He can be president. He is a true icon in Serbia,” Becker said. He emphasized that Djokovic’s role goes beyond his tennis skills, highlighting his patriotic duties.
“It is natural for him to perform for Serbia and represent his country. I worked in Rio with Serbian players. He was a superstar there. You can’t imagine what kind of expectations and power he has; he plays best when he plays for his nation.”
Djokovic’s popularity is evidenced by several accolades, including being crowned the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2023 for the fifth time. Additionally, the latest ESPN list of best athletes of the era places him at No. 11. His fame and success have been acknowledged by many. Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon Champion, remarked in an interview with RMC,
“We know very well that if Novak was American, he’d have a statue in every city.” Similarly, Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, said, “Novak is Serbia, and Serbia is Novak.”
Becker also expressed confidence in Djokovic’s dedication and resilience, despite his recent injury battles, noting that his commitment to his country and sport remains unwavering. As Djokovic continues to inspire and unite his nation, the notion of him becoming a leader beyond the tennis court is not far-fetched.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWWWW Ranked world no.2, Djokovic played his last match on the 14th of July when he surrendered to world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 7-6(4) in the final in Wimbledon (draw).
This year Novak achieved a compiled 23-7 record. Novak Djokovic’s latest run in Wimbledon was the best achievement of his season.
Djokovic will play next in Montreal (National Bank Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 5th of August.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
