"Took it upon himself to redistribute wealth" - Novak Djokovic's financial support for compatriot Hamad Medjedovic earns tennis journalist's praise
Novak Djokovic's financial support for his compatriot and emerging talent, Hamad Medjedovic, has garnered high praise from tennis journalist Jon Wertheim.
Medjedovic, who started the year as the World No. 255, is on the brink on breaking into the top 100, having climbed up to World No. 107 in the ATP rankings.
The 20-year-old made his Grand Slam debut this season, battling through the qualifiers to enter the French Open main draw. Additionally, he won three Challenger titles in 2023 and reached his maiden ATP semifinal at the 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad.
Medjedovic recently confirmed his father Eldin's earlier statement about Djokovic funding his tennis career, disclosing that the World No. 1 has taken up the mantle of providing him with financial support.
"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 said. (via The Tennis Letter on X).
The 20-year-old shared that the 24-time Grand Slam champion was the first to congratulate him on his triumph at the Mallorca Challenger last month. He also mentioned that the 36-year-old was always available to offer guidance and advice.
"Would you believe who was the first to congratulate me on my title – Novak. When I picked up my phone, I saw his voice message lasting more than one minute. He is a legend because he is always available for advice," he added.
Former tennis player Mark Petchey humorously likened Medjedovic receiving the World No. 1's support to the 20-year-old winning the lottery.
"Like winning the lottery and then getting @WarrenBuffett to give you financial advice," Mark Petchey posted on X.
Jon Wertheim, meanwhile, showered praise on Djokovic for his efforts to redistribute wealth and address the financial disparity in tennis. He stated that if this becomes the Serb's lasting legacy, alongside his Grand Slam tally, it would be a commendable accomplishment.
"If this is Djokovic's ultimate legacy (apart from the Majors haul) - that he took it upon himself to redistribute wealth and opportunity, and confront a top-heavy tennis marketplace - he would do much worse....," Wertheim commented.
"Novak Djokovic is really trying hard for Hamad, in all ways, financially, mentally and socially" - Hamad Medjedovic's father
In an interview with Serbian publication Sportal last year, Hamad Medjedovic's father Eldin revealed how Novak Djokovic had taken on the roles of a mentor, friend and financial supporter for his son.
"We are lucky that we ended up with Novak, thank God. Novak is really trying hard for Hamad. In all ways: financially, mentally and socially," he said.
He also commended the 24-time Grand Slam champion for including Medjedovic in his training sessions, highlighting the World No. 1's humanity and kindness.
"Imagine, the best in the world calls my child to go to training together," Eldin said. "These things seem a bit foreign in today's time, but thank God there are people for whom money is not everything, but humanity."