Djokovic hopes to inspire next generation

Novak Djokovic is hoping to inspire a whole new generation of tennis players with the release of a moving documentary that traces his remarkable journey from war-torn Serbia to world No.1.

Djokovic admits making the nostalgic trip down memory lane for Jacob’s Creek’s production of “Made By” was among the most emotional missions he’d ever embarked on.

The seven-times grand slam champion and Australian Open favourite said returning to the home of his first-ever coach, the late Jelena Gencic, who discovered Djokovic at age six, was particularly poignant.

Djokovic credited Gencic, who also coached Monica Seles and Goran Ivanisevic, for teaching him “everything I know” after her passing during the 2013 French Open.

“Going back to Jelena’s house, obviously where I spent a lot of time when I was younger, and not having her there as my host was not easy for me to experience. It felt a bit strange,” Djokovic said before the series release on Tuesday night.

“But I retain the best memories that I could have and I always remember her with a smile and she was one of the most important people in my life.

“So making this film series was emotional and there were some tough moments, but generally it was a very positive experience.”

Djokovic, who grew up in Belgrade at the height of the Balkan war in the 1990s, hopes the series shows anything is possible.

“There is something deeper in it, some inspiration that moves people who follow sports but also like to see where you come from, what’s your background, who you’ve been shaped by,” he said.

“Most people see you for who you are right now but not many see the background of the story and the development and obviously my particular story there were a lot of things going on.

“It wasn’t that ordinary, I would say, with wars and difficult times while growing up.

“This series shows all the circumstances, all the past obstacles that I’ve had to overcome in order to develop and become the world’s best tennis player.

“Obviously inspiring others who one day want to become professional tennis players or athletes, this is something that we will sincerely achieve with this Jacob’s Creek series.”

Djokovic, 27, said it was an honour to be chosen for the series following the great success of a similar production featuring former world No.1 and four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi.

The Serb has the chance to surpass Roger Federer’s and Agassi’s joint open-era record with a fifth crown at Melbourne Park.

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