Coming from Serbia can be a win-lose situation for players such as world No.32 Laslo Djere.
The 23-year-old is currently sitting one place adrift from his ranking high. Earlier this year he won the biggest title of his career yet after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the Rio Open. He followed up on that success by reaching the semi-finals of another ATP tournament in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.
Djere’s rise on the tour hasn’t gone unnoticed by many. At the start of January, he was just inside the top 100 at 91st. However, in Serbia he isn’t the tennis player who everybody talks about. That honour goes to the formidable Novak Djokovic, who is a 15-time grand slam champion. Djokovic is statistically the most successful player the Balkan country has ever produced.
“We have talked sometimes and we also practiced at Indian Wells. He is a great guy and he shows not only us Serbians but everybody how hard work and dedication can pay off. He does it extremely well.” Djere said of Djokovic during an interview with tennis.com.
“He is one of the most professional not only tennis players but athletes, and a great inspiration to all of us.”
The recent results of Djere have also won praise from his compatriot. In Rio he made headlines when he dedicated the title to both of his parents, who have passed away due to cancer. His mum died seven years ago and his father at the end of 2018.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Djere has stated that he hopes to be in the top 20 by the end of the year. A tough, but not impossible task for him. So far this year, he has won nine out of 15 matches played on the tour.
“When we were in Indian Wells he (Djokovic) said a few things to me about me having a great tournament in Rio and giving a great speech. He said that I should continue that and told me I am on the right way. It was nice to hear that.” He said.
Both Djere and Djokovic will return to action next week at the Monte Carlo Masters.
