"I'm not afraid of Latin women... I'm an engaged man, so I don't leave any free space" - When Novak Djokovic joked about why he doesn't live in Miami
Novak Djokovic once hilariously answered why he didn't choose Miami over Monte-Carlo as his residence.
Djokovic won the Miami Open in 2014, triumphing over players such as Jeremy Chardy, Florian Mayer, Tommy Robredo, defending champion Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori (W/O) and Rafael Nadal. It also marked the Serb's second Sunshine Double, having won Indian Wells earlier.
After his triumph, Djokovic attended a press conference where he was questioned about his choice of staying in Monte-Carlo instead of Miami. He was also asked if this decision stemmed from a fear of Latin women.
The Serb replied:
"Is that your camera? It seems so dramatic, the way he turned it (demonstrating sharp turn with hands and face). Afraid of Latin women? I love the way your face expression is after you ask me a question, totally serious, you know (laughter). I am not afraid of Latin women."
The 24-time Grand Slam champion then explained that he prefers living in Europe as he was born there. He also mentioned being engaged to his then-girlfriend, Jelena Ristic, now his wife.
"I'm a European type of guy, and I have grown up and was born in Europe," Djokovic said. "So I like Europe, and I'm an engaged man, so I don't leave any free space for Latin women as well as my fiance. Nevertheless, they very beautiful and you know that."
Djokovic purchased a residence in Eighty Seven Park, a luxury development in Florida, Miami, in 2020. However, he primarily resided in the Principality of Monaco for 15 years before permanently relocating to Marbella during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also owns properties in Belgrade and New York City.
Novak Djokovic has won 6 Miami Open titles to date
Novak Djokovic has won the Miami Open six times so far, claiming victory in 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Djokovic defeated Guillermo Canas in 2007 to get his hands on the trophy for the first time. It was also his maiden ATP Masters 1000 singles title. However, his form dipped the next year when he suffered a second-round defeat to qualifier Kevin Anderson.
The 36-year-old reached the final in 2009 but lost to Andy Murray. The subsequent year saw Djokovic exiting the tournament in the second round after a loss to Olivier Rochus.
Novak Djokovic was on a winning roll after that, emerging victorious in 2011 (d. Rafael Nadal), 2012 (d. Murray), 2014 (d. Nadal), 2015 (d. Murray), and 2016 (d. Kei Nishikori).