Djokovic Addressed The United Nations

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 27th August 2013

Djokovic Addressed The United Nations

epa03820046 Serbian Novak Djokovic returns a ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's semi-final singles match at the Rogers Cup Open ATP tennis tournament in Montreal, Canada, 10 Aug 2013. Nadal won the match. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE |

Novak Djokovic stepped temporarily into the role of international goodwill spokesman during a rare speech to the United Nations. The event took place only hours before the ATP Heritage gala night honors 40 years of world No. 1 players.

In his speech, Nadal spoke to the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which was declared for next April 6. The Serb who grew up in a war-torn country bombed by NATO in the late 1990s, related some of his childhood sporting dreams to diplomats.

“I dreamt of being just like Pete Sampras, the No. 1 tennis player in the world,” said the current top-ranked player. It took me 13 years to achieve my goal. I hope this international day will motivate each of us to invest in every way additional efforts in cultivating the intrinsic sporting values such as fair play, teamwork and respect for the opponent.”

Djokovic added: “Sport can help direct general attention to the most at-risk and vulnerable in our community, especially disadvantaged children. When we encourage kids to dream big and work hard, we can make a tangible difference in their lives.”

Djokovic’s girlfriend Jelena Ristic is a longtime campaigner for aid to underprivileged children through various charities including the personal one supported by Djokovic.

Topics: Atp, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Sports, Tennis

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YellowTrench says:

August 27, 2013 at 12:09 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: Djokovic Addressed The United Nations: Novak Djokovic stepped temporarily into the role of internationa… http://t.co/EA…
NoleLondon says:

August 27, 2013 at 3:35 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: Djokovic Addressed The United Nations: Novak Djokovic stepped temporarily into the role of internationa… http://t.co/EA…
DjokerSA says:

August 27, 2013 at 3:36 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: Djokovic Addressed The United Nations: Novak Djokovic stepped temporarily into the role of internationa… http://t.co/EA…
meokee says:

August 28, 2013 at 12:04 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: Djokovic Addressed The United Nations: Novak Djokovic stepped temporarily into the role of internationa… http://t.co/EA…