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September 11, 2009

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Home » Sports » Tennis

Djokovic reveals softer side with 9/11 tribute

US Open semifinalist Novak Djokovic amused fans at Flushing Meadows this week when he joked with former great John McEnroe but the Serb has also revealed a sensitive side as the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks looms.

The Serbian world No. 4 has been inviting children of victims of the shocking events of 2001 along to sit in his guest seats at matches, including on Wednesday when he beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"It's something that I have been going through, as well, something similar in my past, you know, through the war and all these things," said Djokovic, who himself comes from a war-torn country.

Djokovic said he hasn't been talking with the children about the tragedy, the eighth anniversary of which comes today, but that he did want to reach out to them and offer them a unique experience.

"We're trying to enjoy. We're young. They're young. and trying to enjoy their life, and they came to tennis. So this is a positive message."



 

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