LONDON: Novak Djokovic has praised Serbia’s start to the World Cup after they defeated Costa Rica 1-0 on Sunday.
The 12-time grand slam champion was at The Queen’s Cup watching the match. Venue of the Fever-Tree Championships. He was due to speak to the media, but not until his country’s football clash had finished. This year is only the second time Serbia has featured in a World Cup since declaring independence in 2006.
“We didn’t qualify for the last World Cup or the last European Championships, so after (almost) 10 years we get a chance to enjoy it.” Djokovic said about his national team.
“This was the best way to start the World Cup campaign.”
Aleksandar Kolarov secured the 1-0 win for his country following a breathtaking free-kick on the 56th minute of the match. Which compatriot Djokovic described as ‘amazing.’ Kozlov is one of a series of football player that have formed a bond with the former world No.1 in recent years.
Whilst football and tennis are two contrasting sports, Djokovic believes he can still learn from his fellow athletes.
“I’m friends with Kolarov who scored an amazing goal, and (Nemanja) Matic, these guys,” he said. “It’s a different sport, but we share a lot of things in common as athletes. We support each other, but can also share insights into how we train.
“As individual athletes we miss that feeling of being in a team. We only have that for the Davis Cup.
“When you are playing for your nation, spending time together, it is wonderful.”
Giving his opinion about the World Cup squad, the 31-year-old sees positives in the high presence of young players. According to official figures, the average age of the Serbian team is 26.8 years. Making them the fifth youngest team in the tournament. Only Nigeria, England, France and Tunisia have a younger average age.
“It’s quite a young team. I mean Kolarov and Ivanovic has been playing in the Premier League for many years. They are good leaders of the team.” Djokovic evaluates.
“Then you have the younger guys who won the under 20 World Cup three years ago. Half of our squad are those young guys, which is nice.”
This year will see a rare clash in the world of sport. The men’s Wimbledon final and the World Cup final will take place during the same afternoon. Meaning that if Djokovic makes his way to the title showdown at SW19 he could miss the finale. Something that leaves him with mixed emotions.
“Really? I didn’t know that. Wow,” he told reporters. “From your mouth to gods ears as they say, hopefully that can happen.
“I’ve been fortunate to win Wimbledon three times and play well there.
“If that happens I would obviously be very happy to miss the World Cup final!”
Serbian will play Brazil and Switzerland later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Djokovic will kick-start his campaign at Queen’s against Australian qualifier John Millman on Tuesday.
