Royal Approval For Novak Đoković As He Enters Wimbledon History
Novak Đoković has been granted royal approval as he prepares for an epic centre court clash with Spain’s Rafael Nadal to claim the top title in tennis, the Wimbledon Men’s Championship.
Like millions across the world, Serbia’s Crown Prince Alexander is likely to be glued to the TV on Sunday, watching the newly-crowned World’s Number One challenge current champ Rafa.
The 24-year-old sports ace has performed at the top of his game all season, clocking up a marathon 43-match unbeaten streak and steadily winning his way to his first Wimbledon Final.
Such success has drawn the eyes of the world to Djoković and, along with the efforts of his fellow sportspeople, it has served to improve the positive profile of Serbia.
Indeed, Đokovićis an ambassador for Serbia and does a valuable job to improve the world image of Serbia, according to royal tennis fan HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Yugoslavia, who told W!LD RooSTeR that his positive impact on the impressions of Serbia has been so great that the Serbian Government has granted Đokovića diplomatic passport.
“Đokovićis fantastic,’ said Serbia’s Crown Prince. “He has a tremendous following at home and abroad and he makes us feel very, very proud. All of these great men and women, these great tennis players, are tremendous representatives of their country.
“Đokovićis a tremendous ambassador, he really is. I was very happy that the Foreign Minister gave him a diplomatic passport. I thought that was a great gesture, a recognition of his great work for the country. I was watching the Australian Open and there were quite appalling floods there. His words were beautiful. He was a true professional ambassador and he was caring. He even gave his own money.”
The Crown Prince is a keen supporter of Đoković, taking a court-side seat for private performances at Belgrade’s Royal Palace on many occasions.
“We have a tennis court at the Palace and Đokovićcomes to play here quite often,’ he said. “When you watch him play up close, he’s quite spectacular. The power is unbelievable. I wouldn’t dare play against him though. I think the tennis ball would knock me over!”
This Sunday’s match is set to attract a record TV audience, with many hoping to see history made as a Serb topples the current Wimbledon champion. Two-times Wimbledon champion Nadal is a master player – claimed to be one of the greatest ever – and he is unlikely to make the job easy for Đoković. But then, hard won victories taste sweeter and Đoković has the hunger in him.
One other notorious figure watching on Sunday will be Nole’s father Srđan Đoković. As with many young sportspeople, there is a side story concerning Novak’s rise to the top.
Mention Đokovićin Belgrade and all too often talk turns to his less charismatic father and his allegedly hard-nosed way of dealing with the power leveraged on him by his son’s achievements. It is well known that his father forfeited his business empire to enable Novak to progress, but people believe that he is making capital from his son’s success. And woe betides anyone in his path. Even Serbia’s sports bodies have fallen foul of the father’s wrath.
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| Đoković has victory within his grasp, if he can hold his focus |
Đoković has spoken publicly about their differences and had to jump to the defence of his defiant dad, coming out in support of the sacrifices made by his father and excusing his well-documented outbursts.
It would seem, this is not a case of ‘like father, like son’ and no amount of posturing and attitude from a bullish father can tarnish the achievements of Belgrade’s prodigal son.
When Nadal and Đoković step onto Centre Court, on Sunday, a hush will fall and the world will be watching two talented young men who have risen beyond sport to capture the imagination of millions. In these times of pop-up celebrities, these beacons of sportsmanship and respect are genuine ambassadors for the game and for their countries.
7 / 2 / 2011 11:19 am
Where will you be watching the match? I hear there will be screening parties and celebrations. Tell us…
7 / 3 / 2011 11:58 am
4 seats reserved in Sangrija…yesterday 🙂
Greetings from Banja Luka 🙂
7 / 3 / 2011 3:07 pm
Serbia must be buzzing right now… I hear the Belgrade bars are packed!
7 / 3 / 2011 3:08 pm
Shawne… Banja Luka is probably kicking off. A great sporting afternoon, and a great game by Djokovic!