Novak
Djokovic spoke about his most loyal fans and expressed gratitude for more than
15 years of support throughout his career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is
preparing to compete in his 10th
Wimbledon final this Sunday against world No.
2
Carlos Alcaraz.
This will
be a rematch of the 2023 final, where the Spaniard claimed his second Grand
Slam title in a five-set match that lasted over 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Djokovic hopes to achieve a historic milestone by reaching Roger Federer’s
record of 8 Wimbledon titles and surpassing Margaret Court if he wins his 25th
Grand Slam.
Just hours
before he aims to secure his first title of the season, Djokovic reflected on
his most dedicated fans over the years and thanked them for their unwavering
support throughout his career.
"A
while ago, I had an interaction with the remaining members of Nolefam, 20 or 30
of them. We exchanged thanks, they sang, they supported me. I thank them from
the bottom of my heart, they are always there for me. They wait hours after the
match for everything to be over, when I pass by, they are there. They don't
even ask for a photo or an autograph, just to wish me good night,"
Djokovic said emotionally.
"They
wait for hours after the match for me to finish everything, when I drive by,
they are there. They don't even ask for a picture or a signature, but just to
wish me good night. These are people who are very important in my life, who
follow me."
![djokovicwimbledonl16](https://r.testifier.nl/Acbs8526SDKI/resizing_type:fit/watermark:Picture%3A%20IMAGO/width:1280/plain/https://s3-newsifier.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/tennisuptodate.com/images/2024-07/djokovicwimbledonl16-668f9bc5b1ec3.jpg@webp?)
Novak Djokovic at 2024 Wimbledon.
"One
should realize: 'Hey, you have people who have dedicated their lives and energy
to you. They are praying for you, they want you to win.' I try to give back
with victories and tickets to see the matches. Some other things, events that
we have been doing for 10 years. So, many thanks to them,” he added.
The Serbian
will attempt to stop Alcaraz’s streak of 13 consecutive victories at the All
England Club on Sunday. Djokovic leads the head-to-head 3-2 and has won the
last two encounters, although the Spaniard claimed the victory in their only
grass-court meeting, precisely in the 2023 Wimbledon final.