Novak Djokovic discusses ‘devastating’ Ukraine battle

May 25, 2023 at 6:05 PM
Novak Djokovic discusses ‘devastating’ Ukraine battle

Novak Djokovic hopes that the struggle in Ukraine ‘ends tomorrow’ as he recalled his expertise of rising up as a toddler of struggle. The 36-year-old grew up throughout the Yugoslavian civil struggle and suffered via the NATO bombing of Belgrade and admits the consequences of the battle nonetheless have an effect on him at the moment.

Djokovic is among the most profitable male gamers in tennis historical past having claimed 22 Grand Slam titles over the course of his profession. He is regarded by some to be the best participant to have picked up a tennis racket after years of immediately difficult Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for trophies.

However, Djokovic has not had a simple life and suffered a very tough upbringing because of the battle in Yugoslavia throughout the Nineteen Nineties. As a outcome, Russia’s struggle in Ukraine brings up painful recollections for the 36-year-old as he mentioned his ideas on the scenario.

“The only thing I can say, as a child of war, is this: in war no one wins,” Djokovic informed Italian publication Corriere Della Sera. “War is the ugliest thing in life, man’s worst invention, the worst idea in history. I have seen two wars, the civil one in Yugoslavia and the NATO bombing of Belgrade, I have seen the suffering of my family, and the poverty of my country.

“War is much bigger than us, you can only pray to God to end it tomorrow. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine is slow, and every day it becomes more devastating. There are cities destroyed, lives cut short, but there are also damages that cannot be seen, which will last over time.

“I read an article on the effects of war traumas: they affect health, especially digestion. I had problems with the microbiome, and my career only took off when I discovered my intolerance to gluten and dairy products, which may be related to the war.

“But the worst thing of course is losing a loved one and war opens a void in every family. That’s why I can’t support any war against any country.”

Djokovic’s consideration within the coming days will change to the French Open as he seeks to win in Roland Garros for the third time and declare his twenty third main title.

He will face American star Aleksandar Kovacevic within the first spherical whereas he may face fellow favorite Carlos Alcaraz within the semi-finals with each males named on the identical facet of the draw.