Novak Djokovic Hopes to Keep Winning Titles in Dubai

Written by: Staff on 27th February 2012

Novak Djokovic Hopes to Keep Winning Titles in Dubai

epa03094830 Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic arrives at the Laureus World Sports Awards in London, Britain, 06 Febuary 2012. The Laureus World Sports Awards are held annually to honour sports people who have been outstanding during the previous year. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA |

Novak Djokovic is playing for himself – but also for his country – as he bids to win a fourth straight title in Dubai. His opening match was his first since winning the Australian Open a month ago.

During his down-time, the 24-year-old went skiing for the first time in six years at the mountain where he grew up, accepted a Laureus sportsman award in London and was feted by the Serbian government with one of the highest civilian honors which the nation can bestow.

Djokovic was clearly pleased with the impact his tennis has made on his nation, one of the newest in Europe carved from the remnants of the former Yugoslavia. Serbia President Boris Tadic awarded the tennis hero the Order of the Karadjordje’s Star of the 1st degree this month. “I don’t consider myself a celebrity but I don’t mind if other people call me that. What I’ve done has been through hard work and dedication and a love of tennis.

“I’m happy to have received the highest award possible for an individual in Serbia. It has gone to kings and royalty and politicians but also to regular people – someone who saved another’s life. It’s not who you are but what you have done.

“I’m in an individual sport but I miss the team spirit, that’s why I’m happy to play Davis Cup for my country, I also hope to win an Olympic medal for Serbia in London. You are always playing tennis with a flag next to your name.

“It is very special to represent Serbia. We are a young country and have been through a lot over the last 20-30 years.”

Topics: Novak Djokovic