Djokovic builds impressive legacy on and off the court
In the latest episode of the Laureus-presented show, Spirit of Sport, we speak to the Serbian tennis legend about the life-changing work being done by his foundation.
Legacy is important to Novak Djokovic. Speaking exclusively to Spirit of Sport, the tennis great details an extraordinary 2023 campaign in which he won three Grand Slams to become the most decorated tennis player of all time – and pick up a fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
However, his determination to ensure that his on-court successes inspire societal change is reflected in the incredible work being done by the Novak Djokovic Foundation. The organisation was established alongside his wife, Jelena, and aims to improve early childhood education in Serbia – to ensure every young person has a chance to build a brighter future.“
"Those first few years of the lives of children affect our adulthood – most of us adults are healing the wounds from childhood, so we wanted to prevent that,” Jelena explained.
“The modern society has worked hard on making family feel alone. We’ve thrown our net around the family, making sure they’re all together and supported.”
However, his determination to ensure that his on-court successes inspire societal change is reflected in the incredible work being done by the Novak Djokovic Foundation. The organisation was established alongside his wife, Jelena, and aims to improve early childhood education in Serbia – to ensure every young person has a chance to build a brighter future.“
"Those first few years of the lives of children affect our adulthood – most of us adults are healing the wounds from childhood, so we wanted to prevent that,” Jelena explained.
“The modern society has worked hard on making family feel alone. We’ve thrown our net around the family, making sure they’re all together and supported.”
Reflecting on the moment he equalled long-time rival Rafael Nadal’s 22-title haul in Australia in January 2023, Djokovic said: “It was very emotional after the final point – I climbed up the stairs and went into my players’ box, hugged my mother and my brother and then I just burst into tears.
“I also felt relief because of that as well. I felt like I was chasing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for most of my career, and then I felt a bit more free.”
Despite adding two more major trophies to his haul in 2023 – as well as a maiden Olympic title this summer – he has no plans to halt his relentless quest for perfection any time soon.
“I still have a lot of passion to play and compete in professional tennis on a high level,” he said. “I’m probably not chasing any more, but rather creating my own legacy.”
“I also felt relief because of that as well. I felt like I was chasing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for most of my career, and then I felt a bit more free.”
Despite adding two more major trophies to his haul in 2023 – as well as a maiden Olympic title this summer – he has no plans to halt his relentless quest for perfection any time soon.
“I still have a lot of passion to play and compete in professional tennis on a high level,” he said. “I’m probably not chasing any more, but rather creating my own legacy.”
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One year on from Spain’s monumental FIFA Women's World Cup win over England, we speak to some of the Laureus World Team of the Year members who played a key role in clinching the nation’s first international title.
Ballon d'Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmatí is joined by team-mates Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo to reflect on their incredible journey to the top of their sport, as they outline their hopes for those aiming to follow in their footsteps.
“Of course we are fighting for ourselves, but above all for what’s coming,” said Bonmatí. “So that future generations will have a smoother road and will be able to encounter better conditions.”
Another Spanish legend takes centre stage for the latest edition of our Sport in Madrid series, as basketball giant Rudy Fernandez reflects on a remarkable career at Real Madrid Baloncesto which reached an emotional conclusion this summer.
“Well it’s a moment that always has to come as an athlete,” the three-time Euroleague winner admitted. “Of course I will miss being here a lot, but I know that it is my home.
"I think it has gone better than expected for everything that we achieved and I think I feel very fulfilled by this work.”
We also hear from two-time world surfing champion Filipe Toledo, as the Brazilian reveals his top five hotspots as he takes on our quickfire challenge.
Find Spirit of Sport on TV, online and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
Ballon d'Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmatí is joined by team-mates Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo to reflect on their incredible journey to the top of their sport, as they outline their hopes for those aiming to follow in their footsteps.
“Of course we are fighting for ourselves, but above all for what’s coming,” said Bonmatí. “So that future generations will have a smoother road and will be able to encounter better conditions.”
Another Spanish legend takes centre stage for the latest edition of our Sport in Madrid series, as basketball giant Rudy Fernandez reflects on a remarkable career at Real Madrid Baloncesto which reached an emotional conclusion this summer.
“Well it’s a moment that always has to come as an athlete,” the three-time Euroleague winner admitted. “Of course I will miss being here a lot, but I know that it is my home.
"I think it has gone better than expected for everything that we achieved and I think I feel very fulfilled by this work.”
We also hear from two-time world surfing champion Filipe Toledo, as the Brazilian reveals his top five hotspots as he takes on our quickfire challenge.
Find Spirit of Sport on TV, online and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
