‘Having Bread to Eat…’ – Novak Djokovic Narrates Painful Past While Appreciating Parents Struggle to Make Him a Tennis Player

The Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is now one of the most successful players. He has records that will go down in the history and is one of the most valuable and marketable players of the sport. However, it hasn’t been a silk route for Djokovic. He has been through his fair share of troubles and hardships.

Djokovic on 10th July claimed his 21st Grand Slam title on the grass courts of Wimbledon, after facing some rough patches in the hard and clay court season. Following that, he sat down for an interview and recalled some of his childhood memories.

Novak Djokovic about his family’s struggle

Djokovic, while speaking to Graham Bensinger, took a trip down memory lane and explained how his tennis career was built on his family’s sheer dedication. He said, “I remember that at one point my dad took out a ten Deutsche Mark bill and put it on the table and said this is all we’ve got. You know, which is equivalent to 10 dollars nowadays or maybe less.”

“Because at that time it was really not about tennis. It was more about us surviving as a family and having bread to eat during the day. But somehow my parents found the way, and they were a great team. It took a lot of guts to stick with the vision of supporting me to become a successful professional tennis player.” He added.

Read more: ‘It’s Forbidden…’ – Novak Djokovic Intends to Defend Individual Freedom as US Open Future Hangs in the Balance

Djokovic turned pro in the year 2003 and claimed the ranking of World No.1 in the year 2011 by leapfrogging the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer. Since then, apart from Federer and Nadal, other players are yet to match his caliber.

Updates on Djokoivc’s future tournaments

The 35-year-old who remains firm on his decision to stay unvaccinated will have to sit out some major events. At first, the US Open broke the news of barring the Serb following which the Rogers Cup announced its decision against hosting him. Thus, Djokovic will miss an ATP 1000 event that offers 1000 ranking points and a Grand Slam worth 2000 points.

Watch this story: Novak Djokovic turns into spider-man as he hits the shot of the tournament during his victory over Jannik Sinner at the Wimbledon Championships

On the contrary, the Australian Open might lift the three years ban on its nine times champion. Therefore, it can be said that the former World no.1 may have a chance to settle the score with Nadal in Australia.