Novak Djokovic still carries the emotional scars of his childhood, shaped by the haunting memories of war-torn Serbia. Even decades later, he recalls the ever-present fear that loomed over his family during the turbulent 90s, when survival often felt like the only goal. In rare moments of reflection, Djokovic opens up about those dark times, sharing stories of bombings, uncertainty, and the resilience it took to persevere.

Novak Djokovic talked candidly about his horrific early memories during the Serbian war in a La Nacion interview. He painted a clear image of life under attack as he thought back on the anxiety and instability his family experienced. He said, “It’s terrible. The worst thing anyone can experience. The fear of the unknown, not knowing if the next bomb will fall on you.” Djokovic revealed that as a small boy, he was frightened and helpless when his mother fainted during an air attack.

Further, he added, “We didn’t know what was going to happen, and we cried every night. My mother hit her head against the radiator in the dark and passed out. There we were at 3am, my father with his unconscious wife and my brothers and I – aged 12, 8 and 4 – crying. Panic was everywhere. But it was an experience that strengthened us as a family and as individuals.” 

Serbia was severely damaged by the Balkan conflict, with daily life being disrupted by bombs, sanctions, and economic collapse. A generation raised in the shadow of war and adversity was shaped by the anxiety and uncertainty that families experienced.

Novak Djokovic recognized the importance of his war-torn childhood experiences in his personal development, despite the damage they caused. However, he was quick to express that while the lessons were invaluable, he would never wish anyone to endure such suffering just to develop inner strength.

“And I say it again: I don’t wish it on anyone. I want to make it very clear: I don’t think anyone should suffer through war to develop mental strength, there are other ways to do it,” Djokovic remarked.

In the same interview, Djokovic stated that by the age of 12, he was propelled to assume adult tasks much beyond his years. He recalled moments when he had to make tough decisions, help his family navigate daily survival, and mature faster than most kids his age.

Novak Djokovic ‘had to take responsibility’ at an early age 

Djokovic also talked candidly about how he had to take up his father’s job as the family’s head during the chaotic, warlike period. With his father struggling to keep the household afloat, young Novak took over the responsibility of caring for his two younger brothers.

Djokovic said, “I had to take responsibility and share my father’s role, because I was the eldest son and there was no time. My father spoke to me as an adult: ‘You have to do this, take your brothers there, go here.” But he also mentioned that he is still in shock over the unsettling memories of those around him yelling and running around. “Everyone is panicking, lost, everyone is screaming, everyone is afraid. Just remembering it gives me chills and gives me goosebumps; it’s a terrible feeling,” the Serb maestro added.

The experience of living through the war became an indelible part of Djokovic’s identity. And that probably shaped his tough personality as well.