Novak Djokovic: Hopefully many kids will grab a tennis racket because of watching me

Novak Djokovic acknowledges that he is in a privileged position as he admits one of his biggest goals is to be a good role model to kids around the world.

Djokovic, 35, is a 21-time Grand Slam champion and he has been playing the game at a high level for the past decade and a half.

Djokovic will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players in tennis history and he has left a major mark on the game.

Now, he is hoping he has influenced kids around the world to pick a racket and play tennis. 

“I want to believe that people, especially children and young people, identify themselves with me. I try to have that always, as awareness in everything I do, wherever I go, whatever I say. We as athletes have a huge privilege to have the platform and have that voice. Sport is followed by billions of people around the world. Sport speaks the universal language, it crashes all the borders, I guess. Hopefully many kids will grab a tennis racket because of watching me or other tennis players,” Djokovic said, per tennis.com.

Djokovic returning to Australia

After being denied participation at the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic recently received the happy news from Australia.

In January, Djokovic plans to compete at the Adelaide International and Australian Open. 

Djokovic will officially make his return to Australia at the Adelaide International.

Going into the tournament, some feel Djokovic may not receive a warm reception in his Australia return.

However, Adelaide tournament director Alistar MacDonald thinks everything will go just fine.

“Covid was a pretty tough time for everyone and his experience probably didn’t go the way he wanted it to last year, but 2023 is a fresh start. It’s probably not our position to judge how he will be received, but he’s a great player and will certainly drive interest in the event,” MacDonald explained. 

Djokovic has enjoyed lots of success in Australia throughout his career and many have the Serb as the top favorite for the title at the opening Grand Slam tournament of the season.