NOVAK DJOKOVIC SHOWS CLASS AFTER CHILD FINDS TENNIS LEGEND'S CREDIT CARD
Novak Djokovic showed his class with a generous gift for a child who returned his credit card. The Serbian tennis legend has not played since the Dubai Championships last month and the unvaccinated star was unable to play at Indian Wells and Miami due to America's longstanding Covid vaccine mandate.
As he continues his training for a pivotal clay-court season starting next month, Djokovic enjoyed some down time as he attended a basketball game in his native Serbia.
He received a standing ovation from those in attendance as local side Crvena Zvezda defeated Valencia in the Euroleague. Djokovic took to the court at halftime and interacted with some children who were undoubtedly pleased to see their hero.
During the mele, the 35-year-old proceeded to slip what appeared to be cash into the hand of one of the kids, which was later discovered to be a thank you gesture. Sasa Ozmo, a journalist for @sportklub, tweeted the initial clip before adding yesterday evening: "The kids found Novak's credit card and gave it back, hence the treat from Djokovic."
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The first event of the European clay-court season, the Monte-Carlo Masters, gets underway on April 17 and Djokovic will compete at the Srpska Open the following week. Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina will host its maiden ATP Tour-level event and fans will get to see the likes of Djokovic as well as tour veterans Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils.
Belgrade hosted the Serbia Open the past two seasons, but tournament director Djordje Djokovic - brother of Novak - announced in late 2022 that the clay-court event would take place at Banja Luka this year as the Novak Tennis Centre undergoes renovations. He is yet to confirm his participation at the Madrid Open and Italian Open, but it is likely the 22-time Grand Slam champion will appear, given they are the two premier events before the French Open begins.
Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic is confident, if his preparations run smoothly, his charge can challenge 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal for this year's title and a 23rd major.
"The most important thing is to stay healthy and to prepare really well physically," Ivanisevic said. "Of course, our main focus is Roland Garros, he needs to be ready to give it his all there. He can do it. Nadal is the favourite on clay as long as he can walk, but if Novak is mentally up for it, he can beat anyone."
After much speculation, Djokovic looks set to be allowed to have an opportunity to compete at this US Open this year after the American Senate voted to end Covid-19 measures.
Sky Sports reported that the bill, which was cleared by the House of Representatives earlier this year, will now be sent to Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it, paving the way for Djokovic to appear at Flushing Meadows this year.