World No. 1 Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a document eleventh Australian Open title within the quarter-finals conflict with American Taylor Fritz on Rod Laver Area this afternoon.
The sector will likely be pumping, and the Serb is understood for kissing the courtroom the place he has tasted success so many instances over time.
But, there’s a place the place he’d generally quite be.
The Victor monument on the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade.Credit score: iStock
Djokovic spends numerous his yr on tour, and lives in Monte Carlo, however needs he may go to his native Belgrade extra. Forward of the match, he spoke to Serbian media at Melbourne Park.
Requested whether or not he ever felt burdened, Djokovic advised the Sport Klub web site:
No, not likely … Solely maybe once I wish to expertise moments of regular life, similar to taking a stroll in my house metropolis, which I can’t bear in mind once I final did. To take pleasure in strange moments which imply rather a lot to me – to observe the sundown from the Kalemegdan Fortress [in Belgrade] subsequent to The Victor [monument}.
Those are things I miss and things I cannot do right now due to the nature of my job and fame. On the other hand, of course, there are a lot of benefits and advantages which I’m trying to use in the right way, for the common good.”
Djokovic’s foundation, which he runs with his wife and family, develops early childhood education projects in Serbia and gives grants to children’s educational initiatives.
The world No. 1 said he always tried to represent the Serbian culture, language and customs in a good light and was grateful for the people’s support.
Djokovic dances the kolo with a Serbian dance troupe at a charity match on Rod Laver Arena before the Australian Open.Credit: Getty
Before the Open, Djoker hosted the now traditional A Night with Novak and Friends, a charity exhibition match and entertainment evening during which Serbian music and dance were on show.
The tennis ace also tried his hand at other sports, led on by some of Australia’s favourite stars.