Novak Djokovic's mission to uplift struggling tennis talents - 'I have much more than I need'

ATP
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 16:00
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I have much more than I need admits Novak Djokovic as he continues to state his aim to help out lower ranked players despite the fact that they are all gunning to take food off his table by beating him.
Djokovic has long canvassed through the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) to garner change in the game including financially and he has also long helped the rising star, Hamad Medjedovic, who won the Next Gen ATP Finals recently.

Helping those who struggle

He was asked by Jon Wertheim during their 60 Minutes Interview about why he helps players who want to take food off his table and could deny him a 25th Grand Slam or 41st Masters 1000 in the future. "Well, because I have plenty, you know? I have much more than I need. But, women and men who are around 200 and lower ranked in that world, they are struggling a lot."
Djokovic admitted to knowing the struggles himself from earlier on in his career and as a result wanting to help those less fortunate than himself who can never break out as a result of not being able to have coaches, racquets or even travel to and from tournaments.
"They can't afford a coach. They can't afford travels. They skip tournaments. Many of them leave tennis who are super talented and maybe capable of reaching great heights and successes. But they just can't make it."
Fighting for better tennis conditions with the PTPA alongside Vasek Pospisil, the likes of Ons Jabeur and Paula Badosa are also involved as Djokovic and others continue to advocate for change in the sport and for the World No.1, he believes that this small part will help others thrive.

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