**Novak Djokovic Opens Up About His Vulnerabilities: Children, War, and the Importance of Nature**
In a deeply personal and heartfelt interview, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic shared what makes him feel vulnerable and fragile, offering rare insight into his emotional world. The Serbian tennis icon, known for his dominance on the court, revealed the things that truly affect him off it. His reflections on children, the state of the world, and his own experiences growing up in war-torn Serbia have touched many, showcasing a side of the champion rarely seen in the fast-paced world of professional sports.
Djokovic recently competed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, where he defeated his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the third-place playoff match. The 37-year-old also faced young Italian star Jannik Sinner in the semifinals but was unable to secure a win. Despite the exhibition nature of the event, the competition was intense, with Sinner, who has had a remarkable year, going on to win the tournament.
Djokovic’s appearance in Saudi Arabia came on the heels of his runner-up finish to Sinner at the Shanghai Masters, marking a period of intense competition for the tennis legend. As Djokovic looks ahead to the upcoming Paris Masters, running from October 28 to November 3, he remains focused on his next big goals: the ATP Finals in Turin, where he is in prime position to qualify, and preparing for the final stretch of the season.
### A Vulnerable Side: Djokovic’s Reflections on Fatherhood and Suffering
In an interview with *La Nacion*, Djokovic was asked what makes him feel fragile, a question that prompted a thoughtful and moving response. As one of the most successful athletes in history, Djokovic’s vulnerability is rarely discussed, but his answer painted a picture of a man deeply affected by the world around him, especially when it comes to children and the suffering he sees.
“What makes me fragile? More than anyone can imagine,” Djokovic began. “Children. My children, but also other children. I was always moved by children, but when I became a father… when I see children suffering, it breaks my heart, it’s like I get depressed. Because they are the purest beings on the planet and they deserve the best, they deserve a future.”
As a father of two, Djokovic’s connection to children has grown deeper, and he is particularly pained by the injustice and hardship children face across the globe. His compassion extends beyond his own family, reflecting a broader concern for the next generation.
“When I see these wars and everything that is happening… I lived through the war, my city was bombed day and night for two and a half months. I saw dead people. And now that I see wars in other parts of the world, I don’t understand. I think I know why it happens, unfortunately, the political issues and all that, but it makes me sad, because if we don’t leave a better world for the children of the next generation, it means that we didn’t do things right.”
Growing up in Belgrade during the Yugoslav Wars, Djokovic witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand. The trauma of seeing his hometown bombed and lives lost has stayed with him, shaping his worldview. His passion for helping children stems from these early experiences, and he has dedicated much of his time and resources to supporting young people through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on education and early childhood development.
“That’s why one of the most important reasons why we work with children in our foundation is because we want to create a better society, to have a better education,” Djokovic explained. “And global injustice makes me feel very vulnerable, particularly towards children or nature.”
### A Love for Nature and Animals
Djokovic’s vulnerability also extends to his deep connection with nature and animals. He has long been an advocate for environmental issues, and in this interview, he expressed how witnessing the degradation of the natural world impacts him on a personal level.
“I am a great lover of nature and animals; seeing that suffering destroys me. There is also something that is not related to that, but at some point, it does, that also makes me feel sad, and that is the suffering of people due to health issues on a daily basis.”
For Djokovic, the destruction of the environment and the disconnect between humanity and nature is a source of deep sorrow. He pointed out the importance of living in harmony with nature and lamented how modern society often overlooks this.
“When I was a child, my family had serious illnesses and I am very sensitive to that. I imagine a world that is healthier mentally and physically, connected to nature and respectful of it. There are cities where they continue to build buildings and forget about ecology, about the importance of each tree. Each tree provides us with oxygen, gives us life, energy, food for our soul, sun. But we are wrapped up in our phones.”
His remarks resonate with the broader concerns of many environmental activists and health advocates, who emphasize the need for a more sustainable and balanced way of living. Djokovic’s call to remember the value of trees, nature, and ecological health reflects his personal philosophy of holistic well-being, both for the planet and for individuals.
### Health and Hope: A Personal Struggle
Djokovic’s sensitivity to health issues is rooted in his own family experiences, adding another layer to his vulnerability. He spoke about how illness within his family left a lasting impact on him, shaping his empathy for others who struggle with their health.
“When they have that feeling that there is no hope, I have no solution for that fear. When I was a child, my family had serious illnesses and I am very sensitive to that.”
Through his own experiences, Djokovic has developed a deep compassion for those suffering from illness, and it’s clear that his desire to help extends beyond the tennis court. His vision for a healthier, more connected world is a driving force behind many of his philanthropic efforts.
### Looking Ahead: Djokovic’s Future on and off the Court
As Djokovic continues his remarkable career, his recent reflections offer a glimpse into the man behind the champion. He is not just focused on winning titles but also on leaving a positive legacy for future generations. With his commitment to children, education, and the environment, Djokovic’s influence reaches far beyond tennis. As he gears up for the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, fans will be watching not only for his on-court brilliance but also for the ways in which he continues to use his platform to make a difference in the world.