NBA – Novak Djokovic explains the burden borne by Nikola Jokic: “I sympathize”

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Unconditional basketball fans, many Serbs are devoted to Nikola Jokic, whose dominance in the NBA is the stuff of dreams. However, the immense expectations surrounding the pivot in his homeland are proving too much for Novak Djokovic to bear.

Despite a population of just under 7 million, Serbia is one of the world’s leading sports nations. Several of its representatives shine in their respective disciplines. These include Novak Djokovic, considered by many to be the greatest tennis player in history, and Nikola Jokic, whose NBA prowess astounds even his illustrious compatriot.

Novak Djokovic feels sorry for Nikola Jokic

After sending him a lovely message a few days earlier, Djokovic recently spoke to TNT Sports about the Jokic case. And it’s fair to say that he didn’t mince his words on the subject, testifying to the immense respect he has for him:

Novak Djokovic: Oh man, Nikola… I love that guy. He’s obviously a hero in our country.

What he has done in the NBA over the last five years is quite simply historic, to say the least. Knowing that basketball has long been the number 1 sport in Serbia, I’ve always been a big fan (…) And I think Jokic is a real phenomenon. When you see what he does on the floor and the way he does it, you can’t help but be impressed.

A great admirer of his compatriot, “Nole” can boast a certain closeness to him. He was thus able to confirm the reputation that the latter has been carrying for some years now in the United States:

Novak Djokovic: At first, people thought he was faking it when he said nothing interested him but his family and horses. But it’s the truth!

And yet, despite this relative lack of interest in basketball, the Joker continues to hold his own among the world’s best players. This, despite an extremely busy and grueling schedule, as Djoko was keen to point out:

Novak Djokovic: The NBA season already takes a lot out of him, and every year there’s either a Euro, a World Cup or the Olympic Games. As a result, there are always questions about his participation. He has a huge responsibility towards the Serbian national team, and I sympathize with him on that score. But he’s done so much for our country and for basketball in spite of everything. It’s just crazy.

Serbian sports fans can therefore consider themselves lucky to have two such outstanding flag-bearers.