“It is the best day of my life”, Djokovic told CNN after he was named Laureus Sportsman of the year on Wednesday. The ceremony which was held in Shanghai, China, which saw Djokovic overshadow some of the best athletes from around the globe including the likes of Reals Madrid’s Cristiano Rolando and golfer Rory Mcllory. The Tennis World No. 1, was presented with the honour by HSH Princess Charlene of Monacco at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club.
Novak Djokovic wins Laureus Sportsman of the Year
Djokovic had previously won the award back in 2012, after a remarkable 2011 season.
For many, fatherhood perhaps speaks of having sleepless nights, dark circles and reeling under the demands of work and family. However, that is not the case with Djokovic, who became a father in October. Djokovic married his long-time girlfriend Jelena in July last year, right after winning his second Wimbledon title. The couple received a beautiful baby boy in October whom they have named as Stefan. Fatherhood seems to have become the springboard for even more success for Djokovic. He has always been a good tennis player however, he seems to be more motivated and focused on his game now, more than ever and it is paying him dividends.
Djokovic’s remarked on this special moment, “The best six months privately and also professionally. It is also a great motivation not playing just for myself but for my family.”
“This is probably the crown of my 2014 season that has been highlighted with winning Wimbledon, regaining No. 1 in the world and becoming a father”, said Djokovic. The 28-year old Serbian, in 2014, compiled a 61 win and 8 loss record, won the Wimbledon defeating the charismatic Federer, bagged five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for a third straight year.
Winning the currently on-going Monte Carlo Masters will see him become the first player to win the opening three Masters 1000 title of an ATP Tour.He was joined in the third round by world number two, Roger Federer. Nadal too is a part of the fixtures and is promising to be a threat for the title.
Djokovic seems aware of the up-coming challenges he is about to face against Rafael Nadal at the clay courts of Paris. Djokovic will be eyeing a good run at the highly prestigious French Open at Roland Garros, to be held next month. Commenting on the same, Djokovic said, “Nobody is unbeatable, but he definitely is the ultimate challenge, the king of clay and has an incredible record”.
Tags: China, Laureus Sports Awards, Novak Djokovic, Shanghai, Sports, Sportsman, Tennis
