Djokovic Brings ATP Tournament to Serbia
Novak Djokovic’s family has acquired the rights to an ATP tennis tournament and will host the event in Belgrade in May, 2009. It will be the first ATP or WTA tournament in Serbia although there have been smaller, Challenger tournaments in the past. Croatian tennis legend, Niki Pilic, who coached Djokovic when he was younger, will serve as tournament director. Clearly, tennis is suddenly very popular in Serbia due to the success of 2008 Australian Open champion, Djokovic, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic, and
current Number One, Jelena Jankovic. Many former players have become involved in promoting tournaments. However, it’s quite unusual for an active highly-ranked ATP Tour player such as Djokovic to take a leadership role in promoting and managing a tournament. It’s terrific to lay the groundwork for a career in the sport of tennis after his playing days are over. However, the challenge for Djokovic will be to not lose focus on his current matches as there are demands placed on his time related to promoting the new Serbian ATP tournament. One senses that Novak will relish this experience and thrive in the role as “Mr. Tennis” for new legions of Serbian tennis players and fans. Let the tennis gospel continue to be spread around the world!
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Comments
well done to Novak's family with this tournament in May 2009. I am a big fan of Novak's and I'm just delighted that he has won so many of his matches this year. I know he's put up with a lot of questioning about his new racquet but I think now the doubters will shut up, since he has proven himself. He is a very intelligent person and knows that he will eventually be No.1, if he keeps up his momentum. Delighted to see his family at his matches again, it gives him great encouragement. Best of luck for the rest of 2009.
Posted by: siobhan | April 22, 2009 11:27 AM