Rising star reveals ‘Novak Djokovic helped him’ financially
Rising ATP player Hamad Medvedovic has revealed that compatriot Novak Djokovic has been giving him financial support, with the 20-year-old describing the world No.1 as a “legend”.
Medjedovic made his first Grand Slam main draw at Roland Garros earlier this year, and followed that up by qualifying for Wimbledon.
The Serb also reached his first major ATP Tour semi-final earlier this month and has won three Challenger titles in 2023, leaving him on the verge of breaking into the top 100 for the first time.
And Medjedovic has now revealed that Djokovic helped fund his success, “Novak Djokovic helped me financially. Giving me everything I need for my career. It covered everything. He just helped me when I needed it and [is] he still helps me in all ways. I’m glad he’s there for me.
“Would you believe who was the first to congratulate me on my title – Novak. When I picked up my phone, I saw his voicemail was over a minute long. He’s a legend because he’s always available for advice.”
Medjedovic’s father, Eldin, has also previously praised the 24-time Grand Slam champion, “We didn’t spend a single penny, and believe me, that’s not a little in the tennis world, on the contrary.”
And he continued, “Imagine, the best player in the world invites my kid to work out with him in the preseason, it’s like [Lionel] Mesi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo tells you: “Let’s play some football” or: “Let me know if you need anything”.
“Such things are rare in today’s world, but thank God there are still people who care not only about money, but about the human side of things.”
So classy Nole!
Novak Djokovic decided to support the career of his Serbian compatriot Hamad Medjedovic (19 years old, No.259 in the world) by paying all his needs: travel expenses, coach, physiotherapist, etc.
(📸 @HamadMedjedovic) pic.twitter.com/KDm3rZaqQ9
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 28, 2022
Medjedovic’s success this year has put him on course to reach the ATP Next-Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia next month.
After this season, the world No.107 will turn his attention to Australia, where he will have the chance to be part of a team with idol Djokovic at the 2024 United Cup.
Inside the baseline…
It is very commendable what Djokovic has been doing in the last year, showing his passion for the future of Serbian tennis. Medjedovic is clearly a very exciting prospect, but he will need to return to form after his three-match losing streak if he is to qualify for the ATP Next-Gen Finals.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic headlines United Cup 2024 line-up confirmed
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