DDF Tennis Diary: Career important but fun matters too for Novak Djokovic

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  • Battle royale: Djokovic battled past Berdych to set up a final with Federer.

    Players seem to have quite the glamorous lifestyle but when you speak to them, many complain about the things they can’t do because of the fact that they are tennis professionals.

    It’s not just sacrificing being around families and friends, there are also many restrictions on what they are allowed to do in their free time.

    The contracts they sign with their sponsors can include clauses that prevent them from playing extreme sports, for example, to avoid getting injured for insurance purposes.

    But Novak Djokovic revealed this week that he is such a fan of skiing that he refuses to give it up.

    The world No1 fell in love with the sport from a young age, having grown up in Kopaonik, a ski resort in Serbia, and it is a sport he got acquainted with before he even picked up a tennis racquet. 

    “I told my agent, when he negotiated a contract, to ensure I don’t have this restriction (not to ski). I’m not skiing as much as I did in the early days.

    “Every few years if I have a chance to go for a weekend I would, like I did last year,” said Djokovic.

    “I’m trying to minimise the risk as much as I can. I have this responsibility to myself and a lot of people who are working with me.

    “But there are some things in life you want to do and as long as you’re not afraid…skiing is something that’s in my blood.

    “I started skiing before I even started tennis, so I feel pretty safe on the slopes.”

    Djokovic may be one of the most disciplined players on tour but the Serb also likes to have fun from time to time, his belly-dancing night at the Players’ Party here last Tuesday a perfect example. 

    He says he draws inspiration from many different things and gives an unlikely name when asked to discuss his interests.  

    “I am inspired by science and Nicola Tesla. For those who don’t know he is one of the biggest inventors that ever lived, he left behind incredible inventions like alternating current, radar, radio… He is a pride of our country and someone I look up to for inspiration,” says Djokovic.

    “He was not just a scientist but somebody loved people around the world and spread that positive energy. 

    “I love music and would love to learn how to play saxophone. I have different projects in my mind that are mostly linked to the sport because I feel I have a responsibility to give something back to athletes in my country.”

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