How Novak Djokovic Survived War and Became the Best in the World
Before the titles and global fame, Novak Djokovic was a skinny kid training between air raid drills, determined to master his swing with whatever space he could find. He showed promise early in both talent and discipline. What unfolded after those early days changed tennis in ways no one expected.
Discovery by a Coaching Visionary
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At 6, Novak trained near a mountain resort where coach Jelena Genčić first saw him play. She believed his focus and talent rivaled Monica Seles’s. She guided his development by introducing him to tennis, books, and music. Her influence helped him mature into a thoughtful athlete with emotional balance and control.
Early Dreams of Dominance
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At 7, Novak appeared on Serbian television and confidently said he would become the world’s number one tennis player. The statement came without hesitation. That clarity guided him through setbacks.
A Childhood Forged in Conflict
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In 1999, 11-year-old Novak Djokovic raced through the streets in Belgrade as NATO airstrikes shook the city. His family often sheltered underground at night. Those moments of panic taught him to stay centered. That instinct to stay composed never faded as he rose through the pressure of professional tennis.
Dedication Amidst Adversity
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During the NATO campaign, Novak continued to train throughout Belgrade. He practiced on courts recently hit, knowing that they were less likely to be targeted again. Air raid sirens and fighter jets were routine business in the region.
A Crucial Move to Germany
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After the airstrikes, Novak left Serbia and enrolled at Niki Pilić’s tennis academy in Munich. He was 12 and living apart from his family for the first time. Daily training sessions with older players forced him to adapt quickly. He built discipline, endurance, and confidence in a foreign environment.
Philanthropic Endeavor
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In 2007, Novak launched the Novak Djokovic Foundation. He focused on helping children in Serbia gain access to quality early education. The foundation expanded over time to fund preschools, support teacher training, and improve classrooms.
Maiden Grand Slam Triumph
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At the 2008 Australian Open, Novak defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win his first Grand Slam title. That victory followed a semifinal win over Roger Federer. Critics finally saw him as a serious contender.
Leading Serbia to Davis Cup Victory
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In 2010, Novak helped Serbia win its first Davis Cup title. He played with intensity, inspired teammates, and won every live match he entered. That championship unified the nation and created one of the most emotional victories of his career in front of home fans.
Transformative Dietary Change
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Doctors diagnosed Novak with gluten sensitivity in 2010. He eliminated specific food groups and adjusted his nutrition completely. The result was immediate. His energy improved, his movement sharpened, and he felt lighter on court. That season, he delivered consistent wins and began rewriting what tennis dominance could look like.
Achieving World No. 1 Dominance
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In July 2011, Novak officially became the world’s number one men’s tennis player. That season, he won multiple Grand Slam titles and outperformed his fiercest rivals. His rise to the top was steady and well-earned.
Completing the Career Grand Slam
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Novak finally won the French Open in 2016 after several heartbreaking runs. The win completed his Career Grand Slam and made him the first man in nearly five decades to hold all four majors at once.
Overcoming a Career-Threatening Injury
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Nagging elbow pain forced Novak to undergo surgery in 2018 after a difficult 2017 season. Critics questioned whether he could recover fully. Just months later, he returned to Wimbledon and won the title. The comeback confirmed that his self-belief and competitive edge remained intact.
Advocating for Fellow Players
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In 2020, Novak co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association. He stepped away from the ATP Player Council and advocated for player independence, which created debate across the sport. Still, he remained firm in calling for stronger representation and improved conditions for players outside the spotlight.
The Golden Masters Milestone
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By 2023, Novak became the first player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments at least twice. This was a rare accomplishment that showed his consistency through years of effort across every surface on the calendar.
Unparalleled Grand Slam Success
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At 36, Novak won the 2023 US Open and secured his 24th Grand Slam title in men’s singles, surpassing every male player in history. His longevity and attention to recovery, training, and detail kept him competitive.