Novak Djokovic remembers a crucial moment when his family faced a major decision: to keep their Serbian identity or embrace British citizenship. As a young tennis talent, Djokovic showcased his skills in the under-12 and under-14 junior circuits, catching the attention of a scouting agent who proposed an opportunity to play for Britain.
During a conversation with Graham Bensinger, Djokovic opened up about the situation. The former World No. 1 admitted that the offer was tempting and that accepting it could have provided a comfortable life for his family. Djokovic reflected on the dilemma he faced with his parents in his childhood.
He said, “It was very tempting at that time for my parents, very, very tempting [to solve the financial problems we had]. My family and my parents would get a job, my family would have a house, I mean it was a great, great deal. “
Djokovic’s mother, Dijana, emphasized her perspective on preserving their identity, stating, “You cannot sell your soul and what you are, we were thinking like that. I couldn’t live there for sure; my kids would have a better school, and better facilities, but no one would be happy.” Expressing her position on the matter, she said, “Novak would never play for England or the United Kingdom as he would play [representing] his own country.”
Djokovic emphasized that the decision was primarily for his parents to make; however, he had some say in that. He revealed, “It was mostly the decision of my parents…Yes, I was, of course, included and involved…I personally didn’t feel it…I said, listen, I don’t want to go and live in England. I don’t know anybody…I want to stay here with my friends…”
Despite a tempting offer for a better life, both for himself and his family, Djokovic and his parents resisted relocating to England. They prioritized their strong connection to their roots in Serbia and a sense of nationalism. The Djokovic family chose not to pursue material gains by moving to a developed country like England, despite facing difficulties in their home country.
Novak Djokovic had to survive wars to be where he is today
Novak Djokovic’s journey to his present status as a sporting icon is marked by survival through the hardships of two wars and embargoes in Serbia. Growing up amidst the economic fallout and financial difficulties, embracing tennis, an expensive individual sport, was a formidable challenge faced by him and his family.
Djokovic recapped the difficult situation in those days and stated, “The odds were pretty much against me and my family but you know, we did it.” Recalling the struggles for basic necessities like bread, Djokovic shares, “Every morning at five in the morning, we had to wait in line to get bread and milk for my grandfather and hundreds of other people.”
Novak Djokovic’s remarkable journey from the challenges of war-torn Serbia to becoming a sporting icon reflects his determination to overcome economic hardships and the struggles associated with pursuing tennis. It also allows him to deeply value and cherish the notable milestones he has accomplished throughout his tennis career.