Novak Djokovic's jersey auctioned for 11,000 euros; wife donates money to charity through their foundation
One of Novak Djokovic's jerseys from his 2023 collection was auctioned for 11,000 euros at an event in Vienna on Friday (February 10).
Although the World No. 1 himself was absent, his wife Jelena attended the event and seemed to be having a great time. Jelena is the director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which works for the betterment of children's education in Serbia and also sends help to any part of the world that is going through a crisis.
Jelena took to social media later to reveal how the jersey was auctioned. She added that all the money raised would be going to the children in the city of Kosovska Mitrovica, which lies in the Republic of Kosovo.
The partially recognized state in Southeast Europe shares its border with Serbia in the north and east.
"The jersey was sold for 11,000e and all the money goes to Kosovska Mitrovica to increase the capacity of kindergarten for our children," Jelena wrote on her Instagram stories.
"Thank you, Aco for the wonderful words about our charity work and Novak's success," she added.
Shortly after winning the 2023 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic was interviewed by former Indian player Somdev Devvarman, who showered praise on the Serb for his philanthropic work through his foundation.
"There's the Novak Djokovic Foundation that you and your wife Jelena have been running for many years. Whenever there are floods in Serbia or somewhere in the world, Novak is there," Devvarman said.
"When there are fires in Australia, Novak is there. When Ukraine needs support and Sergiy Stakhovsky reaches out, Novak is there. Where there's fundraisers, Novak is there," he added.
Novak Djokovic applies for exemption to play Sunshine Double in US
Novak Djokovic's brother Djordje revealed on Friday (February 10) that the player had submitted documents to the US authorities in the hope of getting special permission to enter the country in March. The first two ATP Masters tournaments (Indian Wells and Miami Open) will be held in March, but America will only end its COVID-19 restrictions in May.
Djokovic, who has so far refused to get vaccinated against the disease, will miss the two prestigious events unless his request is fulfilled by the US government. The 35-year-old did not participate in the four North American Masters tournaments last year, along with the 2022 US Open. He was also deported from Australia in January 2022 due to his unvaccinated status.