Novak Djokovic’s stardom extends far beyond the tennis world, and as his schedule has reduced in recent years, it could be argued that his worldwide influence and appeal have only grown.
After all, his legacy needs no introduction, with the Serbian having won 24 Grand Slam titles alongside every other elite honour the sport has to offer, including an Olympic gold medal.
In an effort to preserve his body for these major events, Djokovic has been able to miss most of the events he would have been desperate to win in years gone by. This has afforded him ample free time to enjoy life as he sees fit, whether that be attending alternative functions or just spending more time with his family.
However, speaking just last year after he had won that aforementioned gold medal in Paris, the 39-year-old actually explained the one condition that might help him transition from tennis legend into movie star.
Who Novak Djokovic said he’d love to star in a movie with
Speaking with Vogue, the great champion was keen to expand upon his life outside of tennis.
He was quizzed on all his passions, whether they be playing or instruments, in an open and insightful interview that offered a window into the real Novak Djokovic.
However, perhaps most interesting was what he said about comedy movies, admitting: “Yes, but in our country, you wouldn’t know it. I love comedy. I am trying to pick up certain tips from comic actor friends. I would love to learn how to paint and how to draw, arts and crafts.”
The reporter then told him he’d watch a film he was in, to which Djokovic stipulated: “With Jim Carrey. That’s the dream. He’s amazing—his facial expressions, his impersonations. I was always into this, because I did impersonations, early on in my career, of other tennis players, which kind of went viral.”
Novak Djokovic speaks about the GOAT debate
In that same interview, Djokovic was also asked about the greatest of all time debate.
After all, it is an ongoing argument that continues to rage on between tennis fans.
He admitted that he does not pay the speculation much mind, adding: “I think it started to become quite present only five, seven years ago, or something like that.
“If the GOAT discussion is something that gets people really interested in tennis, I support that. I love that. I’m not going to say what I think about it, though, and who the GOAT is. I’ll leave that to other people to discuss. I don’t think I’m in a position…I don’t think it’s my spot to be discussing that.”
Djokovic explained his reasons behind keeping quiet, concluding: “I have to be respectful of previous generations, and the sport of tennis has evolved so much with technology—even with the racquet itself—so that it’s kind of hard to say. People love to debate how somebody like Björn Borg, or Rod Laver, or John McEnroe would do in this era, or me in any of theirs. We will never know.
“I’m just honoured to be part of that group, honoured to call myself a student of the history of tennis and of the game. Even though I’ve seen them many times, it still gives me goosebumps when I meet these guys—these legends—every single time.”
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