Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’ greatest legends, has captivated fans not just with his on-court brilliance but also with his fascinating personal life. Here are some interesting facts about Djokovic that even his biggest fans might not know:
**1. Multilingual Prodigy:** Djokovic is fluent in **six languages** — Serbian, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. His linguistic skills allow him to communicate with fans and reporters worldwide, contributing to his global popularity.
**2. Childhood Amid War:** Djokovic grew up in war-torn Serbia during the NATO bombings in the 1990s. Despite these difficult conditions, his passion for tennis kept him focused, and he practiced in a drained swimming pool as tennis courts were scarce.
**3. Connection to Wolves:** Djokovic has a unique spiritual connection with wolves, which he describes as his spirit animal. The wolf represents strength and resilience for him, qualities that define his career.
**4. Gluten-Free Diet Advocate:** Djokovic transformed his career and fitness by adopting a gluten-free diet. After struggling with health issues early in his career, he credits this diet change with improving his endurance and mental clarity, helping him reach the pinnacle of the sport.
**5. Humble Beginnings in Pizza Business:** Djokovic’s family owned a pizza restaurant in Serbia, and during his early days as a tennis player, he often helped out there. He still enjoys pizza but sticks to his gluten-free version now.
**6. Philanthropy and Education:** Djokovic is passionate about giving back. Through the **Novak Djokovic Foundation**, he focuses on early childhood education in Serbia, providing resources and support for underprivileged children.
**7. Aspiring Soccer Player:** Before committing to tennis, Djokovic was an avid soccer fan and even considered pursuing a career in the sport. To this day, he remains a passionate fan of soccer, often supporting Serbian teams.
These little-known facts reveal just how multifaceted and inspirational Djokovic is both on and off the court.