Belgrade: World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has received immense recognition from his country, Serbia, which acknowledged his achievement by issuing a postage stamp – for sending letters nationally and internationally – a first for an athlete from the country.
Djokovic, who has so far won 20 majors, recently made history by securing the top spot in the year-end ATP rankings for a record seventh time, breaking a tie with American legend Pete Sampras.
He also won three major tournaments this year – the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon – although he missed out on the US Open title after losing to Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final.
“It’s an honor to receive my own Serbian stamp. Thank you to my generous country for this rare gift! I am honored!” Djokovic tweeted on Friday. “I am delighted to announce that we will be partnering with the Serbian National Postal Service for Novak Djokovic Foundation projects so that every child has the opportunity to attend preschool.”
“Thanks to everyone who organised this. Now Jelena Djokovic and I will take some stamps home so the kids can write to Santa,” added the world number one, who has yet to announce whether he will travel to Melbourne to defend his Australian Open title next year, although his name is in the draw with Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
“Thank you to the Serbian Post for this initiative, which I experienced as an effort to revive the tradition of writing letters and postcards, and I am happy to be able to contribute to it,” Djokovic said according to the Novak Djokovic Foundation website. .
“Our Foundation receives many letters every day from children and their teachers all over Serbia, who need help and support in early childhood development and education.
“We want, and we commit every day, that in the next 10 years, every child in Serbia will have access to kindergarten and the conditions to dream and realize their dreams. Together we will try to achieve results as quickly as possible, and we are happy that more and more partners are joining us, including Serbia Post. »
The artwork was created by Boban Savic, with references to some of Djokovic’s greatest achievements, including his 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles and 20 major triumphs, according to atptour.com.
