Haaland: 'Djokovic is my biggest sporting idol'

Striker Erling Haaland has revealed that he idolizes tennis player Novak Djokovic, among athletes in sports other than football.

On Man City's official podcast on February 7, Haaland mentioned Nole when asked about his biggest idol outside of football. "I really like Djokovic," the Norwegian striker said. "Not only because he plays well, but also because he is always himself. He comes from a difficult background in Serbia, but what he has done is amazing."

Djokovic saves the ball on Rod Laver Arena, at the 2024 Australian Open. Photo: Reuters

Djokovic, after listening to Haaland's sharing on the podcast, wrote a thank you to his junior on social network X. The Serbian tennis player grew up in the bombs and bullets of war, experienced many difficulties and hard training. He successively surpassed two contemporary monuments Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to hold the Grand Slam record and many other achievements.

Djokovic's Serbian nationality is considered one of the reasons why he does not win much sympathy from European and American fans. Even now, when he is considered the greatest tennis player of all time, Nole is still hated by many people. But in Serbia, he is always considered a hero.

While Djokovic won four of the five biggest titles in 2023, including three Grand Slams and the ATP Finals, Haaland also broke many records in the 2022-2023 season at Man City. The 23-year-old striker is the player with the most goals in a Premier League season, with 36 goals, contributing to Man City's historic treble.

Haaland competes for the ball in Man City's 3-1 win at Brentford on February 6. Photo: Reuters

After nearly two months out with injury, Haaland returned in Man City's 3-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League last week. Djokovic is expected to play his first ATP 1000 event at Indian Wells since 2019. The Masters event in the US kicks off in early March. Last month, Djokovic lost to world number four Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open - where he holds a record 10 titles.

Vy Anh

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