Novak Djokovic takes protégé Hamad Medjedovic under his wing again in another act of kindness
Rising star Hamad Medjedovic’s dream 2023 continues as he has been invited by Novak Djokovic to a training camp in Dubai ahead of the new season.
The 21-year-old Medjedovic broke through on the ATP Tour this year as he reached his maiden semi-final and also made his Grand Slam debut as he featured in the main draw of both the French Open and Wimbledon.
But his biggest success as a professional came at the beginning of December as he defeated top seed and favourite Arthur Fils in the final of the Next Gen ATP Finals to be the last man standing, bagging $514,000 for winning the tournament undefeated.
And he will now get an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business and he will practice with one of his heroes in 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic in Dubai.
In an interview with Tennis Majors, Medjedovic’s coach Viktor Troicki revealed that “the mission for next season starts in Dubai. Medjedovic was invited by Novak Djokovic to practice together, before they fly to Australia to represent Serbia together at the United Cup in Perth”.
Troicki added: “I am sure that the time spent with Novak will mean a lot to Hamad.”
The story of Medjedovic and Djokovic goes back a long way as the youngster has in the past opened up about the support that the tennis great has given him on and off the court since he was a teenager.
“Novak Djokovic has been helping me out financially. Giving me whatever I need for my career. He covered it all,” Medjedovic has revealed. “He just helped me out when I needed it and [is] still helping me out in all types of ways. I’m glad he’s there for me.”
Hamad Medjedovic’s Story So Far
The Serbian made his ATP Tour debut in 2021 as he was handed a wildcard for the Belgrade Open, but lost early on. He had to wait until 2023 for his first win at the highest level and that came during Serbia’s Davis Cup win over Norway in February this year.
In July he reached his maiden ATP semi-final as he made it to the last four of the Swiss Open while he also reached the quarter-final of the Astana Open.
He has also tasted title success on the ATP Challenger Tour as he won three trophies last year and four this year with his last one coming at the Rafa Nadal Open in September.
