Novak Djokovic reveals how ‘unique Balkan DNA’ helped him become a fighter ahead of exhibition match against Grigor Dimitrov
Novak Djokovic talked about how being from the Balkan region makes him and Grigor Dimitrov passionate people.
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Grigor Dimitrov, Novak Djokovic (Images via X)
Ahead of the exhibition match in Sofia along with Grigor Dimitrov, Novak Djokovic talked about how being from the Balkan region makes both him and the Bulgarian fighters. Djokovic arrived in Sofia after representing Serbia in the Davis Cup.
In singles, Djokovic eased past Ioannis Xilas before winning the doubles with Hamad Medjedovic to seal a 3-0 win over Greece. For the exhibition match in Sofia, Djokovic even prepared a song for Dimitrov and asked him whether he liked it or not.
Djokovic sang the Bulgarian song ‘Luda po tebe‘ and uploaded it on his social media accounts. The Serb also thinks that as he and Dimitrov are from the Balkan countries, it makes them very passionate humans.
I am what I am. I know where I come from, I know what the unique Balkan DNA is. We have a spirit of war, it is ingrained. We are very passionate people. Sometimes we are more temperamental than we should be. I love life, I love passion, and that's what all Balkans have.Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
During the pandemic, Djokovic organized an exhibition event called the ‘Adria Tour’, inviting players mostly from the Balkan regions, and Dimitrov was the first to accept it.
Novak Djokovic praises brother Grigor Dimitrov
Novak Djokovic has played Grigor Dimitrov 13 times but unfortunately for the 33-year-old, he could win just one match. Dimitrov won their third encounter on the ATP Tour in 2013 in Madrid, after meeting for the first time in 2012. In Sofia, Djokovic expressed how happy he is to do something for the Grigor Dimitrov Foundation.
We have played many matches, and we speak Serbian, Bulgarian, and English. We have known each other for many years, we respect each other. I call him my Bulgarian brother. We have played in Serbia, I am very happy that now we will play in Sofia for Grigor's charitable initiatives.Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Both Djokovic and Dimitrov recently played at the US Open and while the former bowed out of the third round he played against Alexei Popyrin, Dimitrov made it to the quarterfinals but lost to Frances Tiafoe.
Djokovic, the winner of 24 Grand Slams hasn’t won a Major title this season but was able to grab his first gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Dimitrov, who is yet to reach a Grand Slam final, won the Brisbane Open earlier this year.
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Gouri Das
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