Novak Djokovic

• Began playing at age four and made his pro debut at 16
• Nicknamed Nole
• Father, Srdjan and mother, Dijana own a pizzeria and pancake restaurant on a mountain in Serbia for last 15 years
• Father, uncle and aunt were all professional skiers and his father was also an excellent soccer player
• His father wanted him to be a soccer player or skier but excelled in tennis at an early age
• Credits his family as inspiration for giving him so much support and says he wouldn’t be able to be where he is without their help
• Younger brothers Marko (born Aug. 20, 1991) and Djordje (born July 17, 1995) are both in school and play tennis
• Idol growing up was Pete Sampras
• At age 12, attended Niki Pilic Academy in Munich and practiced there for almost two years before returning to Belgrade
• Speaks Serbian, Italian, German and English
• Favorite surface is hard courts but considers himself an all around player
• Best shot is backhand down the line
• As a junior, advanced to Australian Open junior singles and doubles SF (w/Jenkins) in 2004
• Has a 12-4 career singles record (2-0 in doubles) in 10 Davis Cup ties since 2004
• His family invited 50 underprivileged Kosovo-Serb children to Belgrade in September 2007 to be courtside for Serbia-Australia Davis Cup World Group tie
• Appeared in September 2007 Vogue Magazine
• Named 2006-07 ATP Most Improved Player of Year
• Elected to two-year term in June 2008 to ATP Player Council
• Works with physiotherapist Milan Amanovic and physical trainer Ronan Bega
• Coached by former ATP pro and Slovak Republic native Marian Vajda (since June 2006).