‘More Important Than a Sport’ – Novak Djokovic Once Delivered a Heart-Warming Speech at the US Open While Commemorating the Victims of 9/11

Novak Djokovic, one of the Big 3 of this generation, has achieved great success on the court. The 21-time Grand Slam champion stands only second to Rafael Nadal in the list of most Grand Slam titles. Of late, the champion player has received a lot of backlash for his stand against covid-19 vaccination.

The 35-year-old could not play in the Australian Open because of the same reason. Further, he would also miss out on the US Open as the Visa guidelines do not allow unvaccinated entrants.

While there are a lot of tennis fans from the US rallying behind the Serb to play in New York, we have a look at an incident that signifies his strong bond with the nation.

Djokovic pays homage to the 9/11 victims

It was in the year 2011. The Serb was in an incredible form. He reached the US Open after winning Australian Open and Wimbledon Championships earlier that year. Djokovic defeated the defending champion Rafael Nadal to lift his first ever US Open title.

Addressing the crowd after his victory, the 35-year-old made a heartwarming gesture for the USA. As he paid his tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terror attack.

“I want to give my compassion to the people of 9/11. Our hearts are with us. This is more important than a sport. We are playing sport. It’s great we are enjoying but we cannot even realize how lucky we are to live and to be able to do something that we love so a loud support,” he said.

Read more: Jelena Djokovic Slams Tennis Magazine for Criticizing Her Husband Novak Djokovic Amidst His US Open Controversy

His comments were received with huge applause from the crowd. Over the years, Djokovic has won the tournament thrice. Last year, he made it to the final yet again. However, the Serb lost against Daniil Medvedev in the finals.

John Isner comes to support of Novak Djokovic

American tennis star John Isner is one of the few tennis stars who believe that the 35-year-old should be playing in the US Open.

A fan asked on Twitter if any American tennis players want to see the Serb play at Flushing Meadows. The 37-year-old said ‘yes’. Further, he expressed his disappointment over Djokovic’s absence from the tournament.

“Completely lunacy. He can’t compete as of now,” he added.

Watch this story: Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian, Martina Navratilova, and Billie Jean King pay tribute to the American legend Bill Russell 

There’s still time for the tournament to start. It will be interesting to see if the situation changes for Djokovic.