Novak Djokovic's dad lived ‘secret' life mixing with ‘criminals', involved in ‘car chases' and ‘stories you can't say'

The Irish Sun

5 hours ago

NOVAK DJOKOVIC revealed his dad lived a "secret" life and got involved with "criminals" and "car chases" to help fund his son's career.
Djokovic, 38, is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
Advertisement
7
Novak Djokovic opened up on his dad Srdjan ways of funding his early career
Credit: Getty
7
Djokovic grew up in war-torn Serbia
Credit: Facebook/Novak Djokovic
He boasts a staggering 24 Grand Slam titles, 100 tournaments, 428 weeks as world No1 and £138million in prize money.
But it is a far cry from his
Djokovic's family did not have a permanent home when he was a kid due to the bombings in Belgrade.
The child sensation could have pursued a career in football or skiing but chose tennis.
Advertisement
READ MORE IN TENNIS
And his father went to extreme lengths to fund a make-or-break trip to the United States - where he was to compete in some of the biggest junior tournaments and meet for crunch talks with the giant IMG management agency.
But it also meant getting into some risky situations for
Djokovic told Slaven Bilic on his
"We simply couldn't afford it - the club helped a bit, the [tennis] federation barely.
Advertisement
Most read in Tennis
"For such a big undertaking as travelling to the United States, it was necessary to save up a large amount of money, which at the time, for the trip, accommodation, and everything else, amounted to around $5,000 dollars (£3,680).
"To stay there and support everything, it was necessary to ensure that there was enough money, in all aspects.
Novak Djokovic digs out French Open rival for 'spying' on him and seeing Champions League trophy
"And, at that time, finding that amount was practically impossible.
"My father turned to those famous loan sharks, criminals who at the time were the only ones willing to lend money on demand, but at very high interest rates.
Advertisement
"When he went to ask for the money, my father said how much he needed and why. They asked, 'Are you in a hurry?'
"He said he was in a hurry because the tournaments were starting soon. And they said, 'Well, the interest is… I don't know, 15-20 per cent, but since you're in a hurry, it'll be 30 per cent.'
"What could he do? He gritted his teeth, held out his hand and said, 'Well, whatever it is, I'll find a way to pay you back.'"
Djokovic also admitted that "there are stories that you can't tell publicly" from those "difficult times" of life.
Advertisement
Tennis stars following in parents' footsteps
TALK about pressure...
These rising stars are all making their way in tennis.
But they have got something in common - they've got a famous parent who also made their name in the sport.
So who are the players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their tennis mums and dads?
My dad is one of the greatest tennis players ever... but
My mum won US Open aged 16 then Wimbledon... but
My Czech dad won Australian Open and my sisters are elite golfers... but
My millionaire dad played with Federer... but
My dad earned £1m and got to French Open final... but
My record-breaking dad is in tennis Hall of Fame and won Wimbledon... but
He added: "Car chases and stuff, while trying to survive.
"In the end, he managed to pay everything back, but it was a very difficult time. This story, which I didn't know at the time, was kept secret from me."
Djokovic's rise to the top of the game ensured he and his family are set up financially for life.
As well as the
Advertisement
In the in-depth sit-down chat with the former West Ham manager, Djokovic also opened up on trying to get the tennis world to "love and accept" him - because he felt like an unwanted child and
He also said he was ready to quit tennis in 2018 after losing his first match at the Miami Open.
But watching his
He had gone two years without winning a major but stormed back to claim four of the next six and add 12 to his overall tally.
Advertisement
7
Novak is the oldest of three sons born to Dijana and Srdjan
Credit: Instagram / @djokernole
7
Djokovic could have chosen a career in football or skiing but chose tennis
Credit: Facebook/Novak Djokovic
7
He has won seven Wimbledon titles and 24 majors in total
Credit: Getty
7
Djokovic is married to Jelena and they have two children - son Stefan and daughter Tara
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
7