"We don't say we're heavenly people for nothing": Djokovic on need for Serb unity and tragedies that happened

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Novak Djokovic has not forgotten about the two serious tragedies that befell Serbia at the beginning of May, even in the moments of celebrating his historic success at the French Open.

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The Serbian tennis player won the title in Paris and thus became the most decorated tennis player of all time with 23 Grand Slam trophies to his name, in this way confirming what many have known for a long time - that he is in fact the best in history.

After everything that happened, on Monday, Novak, who is again ranked as the wold No. 1, again referred in an interview for RTS to the mass shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school in Belgrade and another that happened a day later in the villages of Dubona and Malo Orasje.

"I think that many parents and families are wondering what is next, what is the smart thing to do, how to position yourself in all this. I'm one of those parents even if I have a job that requires me to be constantly on the road. I have been in Serbia for several years with my family and I empathize with all the parents and all the people who somehow analyze what is good and what is not in society and how to move forward. So I can't say that I'm the only inspiration, although I'm flattered when especially young people consider me someone they can look up to, who sends positive messages, values, principles, life. I try, I'm not perfect and I make a lot of mistakes in life, but I try to be honest, open, authentic and to send a positive message both through sports and through parenting, through our Foundation or whatever, whether it's on the public stage, public platforms or privately," Novak said.

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The best Serbian athlete ever also pointed out that apart from him, our country and our people have many bright examples, but also said that Serbia needs unity.

"I think people have to understand that we really are a God-given people. We don't say for nothing that we are a heavenly people, we really are. We have brilliant people, especially young people. And we should all collectively focus on peace, togetherness, and support. There is a lot of discord, there is a lot of separation in politics and even in sports. I kind of hope that sports as a branch of society can encourage people to unite. That we no longer look at what colors we represent, what party we are, what clubs, whose fans... Rather, simply that we are part of the same nation, the same people, and that together we do something for these young people, for our children. I may have gone too far with this analysis, but I felt that I should share and send support to all parents and all people in Serbia," Djokovic said.

(Telegraf.rs/RTS)