Novak Djokovic

Nickname: Nole, Nox, Nokia
Born: 22nd May 1987
Birth Place: Belgrade (Serbia)
Residence: Belgrade (Serbia)
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Plays: Right hand (Backhand - with both hands)
Started playing tennis when he was: 4
Status: Professional since 2003
Racquet: Wilson
Sports Wear: Adidas
Current Coach: Marian Vajda

Career High (Singles): № 3 (09 July 2007)
Career High (Doubles): № 134 (20 August 2007)

Novak Djokovic began playing at age four and made his pro debut at 16. Father, Srdjan and mother, Dijana own a pizzeria and pancake restaurant on a mountain in Serbia for last 15 years. Father, uncle and aunt were all professional skiers and his father was also an excellent soccer player. His father wanted him to be a soccer player or skier but excelled in tennis at an early age. Credits his family as inspiration for giving him so much support and says he wouldn't be able to be where he is without their help. Younger brothers Marko and Djordje are both in school and play tennis. Idol growing up was Pete Sampras. At age 12, attended Niki Pilic Academy in Munich and practiced there before returning to Belgrade. Nole speaks Serbian, German and English. Favorite surface is hard courts but considers himself an all around player. Best shot is backhand down the line. As a junior, advanced to Australian Open junior singles and doubles SF (with Jenkins) in 2004. Coached by Marian Vajda and fitness trainer Salvador Sosa.

.............

Watch this dude. He's the next big thing. (and he's my new favourite). Now that the Australian Open tickets are going on sale, I'm rather tempted to be come back in January as opposed to Feburary just for my exams (particularly since Hongkong has collapsed over my head) and at this point of time, there doesn't seem to be much for me to do back home. I would really like to see Federer, Djokovic, the Williams sisters, Bartoli and maybe secretly, Sharapova in action. Then of course, Rufus is coming to play on Feburary 1st. I think I really like the idea of coming back for the Australian Open. I think I'll go and consort with my partner in crime. muahha.

I'm strong on the surface,
But i've never been perfect
For me to have you...

When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don't resent me when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memories
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
- Leave out all the Rest, Linkin Park

Strength is when I look back and know that I've fulfilled my dreams, done was is required of me and yet still some left to go on. I will be strong. Oh wait, I don't have a choice. I have to be. This dream of mine, I live alone.

On a lighter note,

Tsin dear, I think the cameras are trained on the girlies when Djokovic is playing because he's too cute. hee hee.