World No. 1 and current Australian Open champion, Novak Djokovic, shared his enthusiasm for encouraging young tennis aspirants in India during a recent interview following his impressive straight sets win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Expressing his passion for childhood development programs, Djokovic emphasized his desire to be involved in initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent in their early years. “I would like to see more children grabbing a racquet and playing tennis. Being a tennis player, seeing that happen will fill my heart with joy,” he stated.
In a candid conversation with Sania Mirza, Djokovic revealed his special connection with India, praising the kindness and genuine nature of its people. He expressed his love for the country and acknowledged the widespread passion for sports, particularly cricket, while noting the growing interest in tennis across the nation.
Recalling his participation in an exhibition match in New Delhi in 2014 alongside tennis legends like Roger Federer, Djokovic expressed his eagerness to explore the country further. “Hopefully, there are many years ahead of me so that I can spend more time in your beautiful country and we can work on the mission of empowering more kids to take up tennis,” he concluded.
During an earlier interview with Somdev Devvarman, Djokovic revealed his admiration for Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, showcasing his appreciation for athletes across different sports.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face France’s Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2024 on Sunday, 21st January 2024. As he continues his journey in the tournament, Djokovic remains not only a formidable player on the court but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young tennis players in India.
The Sportz Planet Desk
