War-torn past help me build a thick skin to withstand any criticism: Novak Djokovic


War-torn past help me build a thick skin to withstand any criticism: Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has been at the center of many controversies and an object of criticism this year. Whether it was the Adria Tour debacle or the controversial formation of PTPA by him, Djokovic has been in the eye of the storm and had to deal with criticisms all throughout the year.

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Growing up in a war-torn region helped me: Djokovic

Djokovic’s tough upbringing helping him now

In an interview prior to his ATP Finals matchup, the Serb talked about how he spent his childhood in a war-torn Yugoslavia (a former country out of which modern-day Serbian was formed) in the nineties and how he developed resistance towards controversies and adversaries at a very young age.

“I kind of grew up in adversity when you think about it. Growing up in a war-torn country during the Nineties. So, I got accustomed to that. In my case, it did help me to develop a thicker skin, to be able to prove myself even more,” said Djokovic.

Djokovic dealing with controversies throughout the year

Novak Djokovic

It all started with the charity tour that he held during the lockdown. The ill-fated Adria Tour lacked basic precautionary measures against coronavirus and resulted in Djokovic along with four others contracting the virus. This tour was immediately halted after that mishap.

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Next was the US Open controversy. Djokovic in his fourth-round match, against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, hit the line judge with a ball and was disqualified from the tournament after that incident.

Then he formed the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) for which he received a lot of flak. He was accused of creating division amongst players instead of uniting them in the difficult times of Coronavirus. So responded to how he dealt with all these controversies and criticism?

Djokovic replied, “I respect when someone has a different opinion and expresses that publicly, say the players’ association, the PTPA. I found myself being criticized a lot, but I do what my heart tells me.”

He further added that he doesn’t shy away from anything because he is transparent and honest, saying, “Sure, everyone makes mistakes, I have flaws as everybody else, but I don’t have an issue being honest and transparent.”

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Despite all this drama surrounding him, Novak Djokovic, a record sixth year-end World No.1, hopes to end his record-breaking year with a title win in the upcoming ATP Finals in London.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic wants to focus beyond tennis, says there are certain things he ‘cannot neglect’