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Alex de Minaur’s opponent on Rod Laver Arena tonight, Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic, has a powerful backer in his corner – no less than countryman and tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
Medjedovic, 22, met Djokovic for the first time when he was 10 and started training with him at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade aged 16. Djokovic recognised his talent early invested in his training and support costs for years.
Hamad Medjedovic in action.Credit: Getty Images
The 22-year-old’s father, Eldin Medjedovic, once recalled how Djokovic first offered his support to boost the younger tennis player’s career.
“I’ll be honest, I was pinching myself during that conversation to make sure it was really happening. He [Djokovic] was suggesting ideas, what to do with Hamad, and I remember telling him, ‘Nole, I’m sorry, but all of that costs money!’ Medjedovic senior told Serbian sports website Sportal in 2022.
“He [Djokovic] goes on, suggests a coach, says what we’ll do, and adds: ‘It’s Hamad’s job just to train, and I’ll do the rest … I’m not doing this because of the money … Simply, my role and my task is to help. What sort of man would I be if I didn’t help kids who deserve it, who love tennis, and moreover, are achieving results? You know what? When Hamad makes it, you take on someone whom you’ll help!’
The support paid off. Medjedovic has won the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals and multiple Challenger-level titles. His career prizemoney now sits at $2.2 million ($A 3.2 million), according to the ATP.
Djokovic has often spoken of his joy at seeing Medjedovic advance in his career. And their bond goes further – Medjedovic’s former coach was Viktor Troicki, Djokovic’s childhood friend, former world No. 12 and Serbia’s Davis Cup team coach.
Let’s see how Medjedovic, world No. 90, measures up against De Minaur.
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