How Novak Djokovic has been financially helping fellow Serb Hamad Medjedovic over the years
Novak Djokovic has inspired an entire generation of tennis players in Serbia with his unparalleled success over the last two decades. And if Hamad Medjedovic's words are anything to go by, he has also taken it upon himself to ensure that the next crop of players do not face the hardships that he had to endure as an aspiring tennis player.
Financial assistance from the 24-time Grand Slam champion had helped the young Medjedovic focus on his tennis dream without having to worry about putting his family under the stress of paying the hefty bills that come with the sport.
Medjedovic, who trained at the Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade, has been grateful for having had the opportunity to hit the ball with Djokovic on the practice courts so early in his career. It is, however, his senior's commitment to ensuring the best resources for him that has made all the difference.
"Novak Djokovic has been helping me out financially. Giving me whatever I need for my career. He covered it all. He just helped me out when I needed it and is still helping me out in all types of ways. I’m glad he’s there for me," he had said in recent interview.
Medjedovic, who started the 2023 season ranked outside the world's top 250, is now on the brink of breaking into the top 100, having climbed a massive 148 spots up to World No. 107 in the 10-month period.
He also made his Grand Slam debut at the French Open, besides bagging the three Challenger titles and reaching his maiden ATP semifinal at the 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad. Needless to say, he has made the best of the assistance provided to him so far.
How did the young Hamad Medjedovic cross paths with Novak Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic first took notice of Hamad Medjedovic after his standout results on the junior Tour.
He then invited the youngster to train at his academy in Belgrade, which marked the beginning of their fruitful association.
"I mean Serbia is a pretty small country, you know," Hamad Medjedovic had said in a 2022 interview. "You can hear a lot, I was good at the juniors, so [Novak Djokovic] probably heard somewhere."
"I had a good win at the French Open against the first seed and that's when he texted me," he continued. "You know I said thanks and after some time he called me to practice. And then we practiced together. And after that, he wanted me to stay at his center and that's how everything started."
Hamad's father, Eldin Medjedovic, has also spoken about the difference that Djokovic's friendship and mentorship have made in multiple interviews over the years.
The support, according to him, has extended beyond economics, as the World No. 1 consistently offers insights and advice to his ward.
"We are lucky that we ended up with Novak, thank God," Eldin Medjedovic said in an interview with Serbian media last year. "Novak is really trying hard for Hamad. In all ways: financially, mentally and socially."
With the results beginning to flow in for Medjedovic, the joy, just like the grind, is also shared by all quarters.
Djokovic was the first to congratulate the youngster after his win at the Mallorca Challenger last month.
Djokovic's on-court achievements speak for his status as one of the sport's greats. What really cements his status as a true legend in the eyes of youngsters like Medjedovic, however, is his desire to give back to the sport by supporting those still in pursuit of their dreams.
"He is a legend because he is always available for advice," Medjedovic was quoted as saying not too long ago.