At the Top of World Tennis

At the age of 20, Novak Djoković has become Serbia’s most successful tennis player of all time as well as a favourite public figure in Serbia and abroad.

By Vanja Savić

For him and his family, the remarkable success he has enjoyed over the past two years was neither unexpected nor staggering, because it was the outcome of many years of hard and persistent work. Since he began playing tennis at the early age of four, Novak explained that even back then he had wanted to become the world’s number one player. Regardless of all the hidden dangers that money and fame carry, he seems determined to persevere to the top.

Currently ranked number three on the ATP list, Serbia’s best tennis player has become a star outside the tennis court thanks to his cheerful disposition, outgoing character and his sportsmanlike upbringing. He also likes the occasional gag. His integrity, directness and relaxed manner have introduced a measured dose of freshness among gladiators of the white sport. Tennis fans have reacted extremely positively to his arrival because they appreciate his naturalness.

This was especially evident at this year’s US Open Tournament, where wealthy businessmen, famous athletes and even Hollywood stars could be seen among the 22,000 spectators. In addition to his family, in the final match in New York the Djoković rooting box included the likes of Maria Sharapova, Robert de Niro and his wife, while his appearance against the celebrated Swiss player was also watched by Kirk and Michael Douglas, Katherine Zeta Jones and other jetsetters.

"Luck was not on my side when lots were drawn in New York, as was evident in the first two tournament rounds – especially in the exhausting game against Stepanek. Nevertheless, the weather was kinder than during this year’s Wimbledon tournament, when I did not find enough time for proper rest after matches played in rain".

"At the US Open, I had more time to rest but I struggled with the accumulated fatigue of previous tournaments. I was mostly concerned about my tiredness before the final match, but I entered the match against Federer physically quite fit", said Novak after landing on a Jat B-737 (JU 211 flight) at the Belgrade airport on September 11.

By last year, Novak Djoković was number 16 on the ATP list and he had already made Serbian sport history as the country’s most successful tennis player of all time. But as he announced at the time, that was just the beginning of his attempt to reach the top. By July 19, he had reached the number three position on the ATP list.

"I can’t say I wasn’t surprised at having climbed so fast from number 16 to the world’s number three player. But, on the other hand, success is the expected outcome of hard work and family support, and of course Coach Marijan Vajda and all the others who have helped me over the course of my career. Winning in Adelaide at the outset of the season provided a necessary measure of self-confidence to continue playing well. From that point on, everything became easier, says Novak, who also came out on top in Estoril and the Masters tournaments in Miami and Montreal, made it to the final of the Masters tournament in Indian Wells, to the semi-finals in Rotterdam, Rolland Garros and Wimbledon and to the quarter-finals in Dubai and the Masters in Rome and Hamburg.

That’s tennis, or better to say, that’s life! A man must face defeat as well as triumph. I proved myself on the court and won the sympathy of Americans. That’s not easy, especially for someone who is not American citizen."

The exhilaration over the Serbian tennis player at the Arthur Ash Stadium on September 9 was shared by the official announcer, who said to Djokovic at the award presentation ceremony: "They love you!"

"Yes, I must say I am pleased with the status of being an international sports star, but I will not let that stand between tennis and myself; my goal is to become the number one tennis player in the world", replies Djoković.

Regarding the famous slip of tongue made by the announcer in Montreal who misstated Djoković’s country after Djoković had just defeated Federer, Djoković took it in stride:

"The man probably didn’t make the mistake deliberately, although such errors shouldn’t happen, especially not before so many people. For me, this was an unpleasant surprise, but I reacted without showing undue excitement. I am, after all, fully aware that I represent Serbia in the world and I will always do that in a most dignified and proper manner because I think this country and this nation deserve it".

And while millions of people worldwide enjoy surfing the Internet and watching video clips of him imitating Sharapova, Nadal and Federer, after all the tiring matches and tournaments, Novak is happiest to return home to be among family and friends.

"Due to the constant travel and playing in numerous tournaments over the past two years, I haven’t pulled together three full weeks in Belgrade. I savour each free moment that I spend here, relaxing with those most dear to me", explains Djoković, who was the main trump card of Serbia’s Davis Cup team in the match against Australia played on September 21-23 in the packed Belgrade Arena.

"I’m glad that tennis is becoming increasingly popular in Serbia. My family and others here tell me that people in Serbia are prone to forfeit sleep to watch Ana’s, Jelena’s and my matches. This is not an everyday occurrence in a country that has been more successful in collective sports", says Serbia’s dominant force in tennis, ahead of the Masters Series tournament on November 11-19 in Shanghai, to be followed by tournaments in Vienna, Madrid and Paris.