WATCH: Novak Djokovic recollects the horrors of scary evenings in bomb shelters as old video of him visiting the bunkers in Serbia goes viral
Djokovic grew up in war-torn Serbia
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Novak Djokovic (Image via: X/@@Sprinter99800)
Novak Djokovic claimed his 24th Grand Slam title earlier this month with his win over 2022 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who gave the Serb a tough fight. Djokovic then represented his country at the Davis Cup and will be laying low until November this year. An old video of the Serb visiting war-time bunkers in Siberia is currently making the rounds on the Internet.
Djokovic has often expressed his gratitude for his parents as well as the people who mentored him while he was a child growing up in war-torn Siberia during the nineties. The 36-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the oldest man to win a Grand Slam major, has talked about the struggles he faced and his family’s role in helping him live his dreams. Growing up in such hostile conditions has left a deep imprint on the Serbian’s brain.
Recently, an old video of Novak Djokovic re-visiting the bunkers in Siberia where he spent his time as a kid has re-emerged on social media. World No. 1 can be seen showing an American journalist around in a bomb shelter under one of the Siberian apartment buildings.
“This is where we spent every single night for at least 14-15 nights of bombings and it’s crazy when you think about the amount of people that had to come here in the shelter and hide from the danger,” the Serb can be heard telling the American.
“It has definitely stayed the same as it was 20 years ago,” Novak said as he recalled the nights he spent hiding in the bunkers. Djokovic further showed the journalist the tunnels inside the bunker as well as a gate which, according to the Serb, people would close every night to protect themselves from potential fires or explosions while hiding in the bunkers.
Novak Djokovic thanks fans in a special letter
Current World No. 1, Novak Djokovic, has always been grateful and appreciative of the amount of support he receives from his fans. Recently, however, the Djokovic Foundation released a limited-edition series of books showcasing the journey of the Serbian tennis star’s incredible career. The books also feature a letter by the 36-year-old addressed to his fans, who go by the name NoleFam.
“I want to first thank you for sticking up with me all these years, through my ups and downs. And what an exciting journey we have had behind us!” the Serb wrote, thanking his fans for their support over the past few years.
A few years ago, the Serb was suffering from his injury woes and was even considering retirement, a source close to the tennis star had revealed earlier. Novak Djokovic’s fans have always extended an over-arching support to the Pole and Novak is aware of this fact.
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Eeshita Dev
(231 Articles Published)