x

Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade tennis exhibition

An emotional Novak Djokovic could not hold back the tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex by the Danube River on Sunday.

Although he missed out on Sunday’s Adria Tour final, in which Dominic Thiem beat Serbian Filip Krajinovic 4-3 2-4 4-2, the event revived a lot of fond memories for him.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion staged the exhibition while international tennis remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was very emotional on the court today (Sunday). Childhood memories started flooding back, including those of growing up on these courts and playing here as a young boy,” the 33-year-old told reporters after being cheered on by a 4,000-strong capacity crowd.

“I was overwhelmed and those were tears of joy after the match.

“I try to give back to where I come from and be conscious of my childhood and my upbringing.

“This tennis was an epicentre of people from my childhood days getting together for this tournament, including my former coaches. They were all here.”

World number one Djokovic beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Sunday in his last round robin match, but failed to secure his place in the final.

This was after both players and Krajinovic ended up with 2-1 win-loss records and an identical 5-3 set difference in their section.

Krajinovic, who stunned Djokovic on Saturday, squeezed through on the basis of having the best games differential among the three.

However, he was powerless to stop Thiem in the final.

“This tournament was for a good cause and we all gave our best,” Thiem said after finishing off the weekend with a 100 percent winning record.

“Many high quality matches in a great atmosphere, in front of a full crowd. So, it was a perfect weekend.

“A very big `thank you’ to everyone, including Novak and his team. You all made my first trip to Serbia a very special one.”

The eight-man tournament featured a more streamlined format than what is seen on the main tour, with sets slashed to best-of-seven games.

The second leg of the tour will be held in Croatia’s coastal resort Zadar next weekend.

The third leg due in Montenegro on June 27 and June 28 was scrapped on Saturday over coronavirus concerns and the final leg is set for Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3 and 4.(Reuters/NAN)

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Arokodare Scores as Super Eagles Hold Russia to 1-1 Draw

Tolu Arokodare opened his Super Eagles goal account as...

Strong Capital Market Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NGX Chairman

Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr. Umaru...

Veteran Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95

Renowned highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, famed for...

Eid-el-Kabir: Northern CAN Greets Muslims, Urges Govt Action on Security

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Sultan Commends Sokoto Governor for Delegating Authority to Deputy

The Sultan of Sokoto and spiritual leader of Nigeria’s...

Eid Mubarak: NUJ FCTA Chapel Felicitates with Muslim Journalists, Prays for Peace and Unity

By Joyce Babayeju As Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the...

Eid-El-Kabir: Fatimah Observes Prayers with Kogites in Eika Ohizenyi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Commissioner for Women...

Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais Passes Away at 89

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img