Father of Serbian talent Hamad Medjedovic thanks Novak Djokovic for helping - "In 2021, he paid all of it"

Hamad Medjedovic is the brightest tennis talent coming out of Serbia recently and his father thanked Djokovic for his support.

Novak Djokovic knows how hard it is to pursue tennis in Serbia because the economic situation in the country doesn't allow many kids the chance to pursue a sport that tends to be quite pricey. Because of his own unique experience and luck, Djokovic is keen to keep the sport going in the country providing financial aid anytime he can.

Such was the case for Hamad Medjedovic who is the biggest talent coming out of Serbia in recent years. He recently won his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title and his father spoke about how it would be impossible if there wasn't for Djokovic:

“Novak is really trying hard for Hamad. In all ways: financially, mentally and socially. I remember another conversation with Novak. Then we specifically talked about the steps in Hamad’s career. And here, I’ll tell you honestly, I pinched myself during that conversation to convince myself that all this was happening. He was giving me ideas, what to do about Hamad, and I remember saying to him: ‘Nole, I’m sorry, but it all costs money!’ He continued, suggests a coach to me, talks about how we will do it, what we will do and adds: ‘It’s up to Hamad to train, I’ll do the rest!’ I told him again: ‘Nole, it costs money!’

“Then Novak told me: ‘Edo, I don’t do this for money! I have a place where I earn money. Simply, my role and my task is to help. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t help children who deserve it, who love tennis, still getting results, help?’ I listen to him, and he adds: ‘You know what we’re going to do? Tomorrow, when Hamad succeeds, you will also take someone whom you will help!'”

His father continued:

“During the whole year 2021, all coaches, complete trips, hotels, plane tickets, physiotherapists, masseurs, preparations that they went to together, we did not pay a dime for anything. And that’s not a small amount of money in the world of tennis. That’s a really big sum. One coach costs a lot, so where are the conditioning coach, physiotherapist, courts…"