Novak Djokovic is Finding Having Two Brothers on the Tour Can be a Problem

Written by: Staff on 29th February 2012

Novak Djokovic is Finding Having Two Brothers on the Tour Can be a Problem

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball during his men's quarter final match against David Ferrer of Spain at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 25 January 2012. EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG |

Novak Djokovic admits his fame opens doors in tennis for his younger brothers Marko and Djordje but also creates added pressure for the pair.

Marko, aged 20, gained a wild card into this week’s Dubai Duty Free Championships regardless of his current ranking that stands at 867 while 16-year-old Djordje is one of the world’s most watched junior players of his age.

Dubai tournament organizers received criticism for clearly favoring Marko simply because of his surname over other rivals of a similar ranking but Novak said: “I was happy for my brother to get a wildcard and play in this tournament. I want to thank the tournament director and people in the organization of this event for giving us this opportunity and considering him for wildcard.”

Nevertheless the world no.1 also appreciates there is a price to be paid. “I guess, there pressure in a way for having the Djokovic surname,” said Novak. “All over the world wherever they (my brothers) play tennis, I guess they have to face this pressure that is not necessary for them at their age.

“It’s their burden, and they are very committed. Marko wants to succeed in tennis. But everybody obviously has a different path.”

The senior Djokovic was courtside as Marko’s progression in the Dubai event lasted little more than an hour and he was beaten in straight sets by Kazakhstan’s Andrey Golubev.

Novak said: “It’s hard because the people compare him to me. In all his junior tournaments and all these years that he’s been playing tennis he’s been compared to me when I was that age. It’s absolutely different.

“So he’s trying to fight I think with his mind more than really with the game. I think as soon as he manages to control his thoughts and focus on his own career, I think he’s going to be good. He has potential obviously, and it’s in the blood.”

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Topics: Djordje Djokovic, Marko Djokovic, Novak Djokovic