IT WAS NO DJOK

BELGRADE. −  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

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.

He told Slaven Bilic on his Neuspjah Prvaka podcat:

“The first time I went to America at 15 or 16 to play in the Prince Cup and Orange Bowl, we had never been before and were coming from Serbia where the reputation was not the best.

“We simply couldn’t afford it − the club helped a bit, the [tennis] federation barely.

“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 US$5,000 dollars.

“To stay there and support everything, it was necessary to ensure that there was enough money, in all aspects. “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.

“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.” − The Sun