Novak Djokovic Responds To Father: I Love My Father, But I Cannot Be Held Responsible For His Comments

by Tom Gainey |

A report from Montreal Rogers Cup indicates that Novak Djokovic is distancing himself from his father’s comments last week in which Srdjan said his son and Rafael Nadal are no longer friends among other revalations. Speaking to members of the press on Saturday, Djokovic told BATennisWorld,

“This has been a particular situation”, said the World n°1. “I’m really sorry that his words have caused so much attention, and also that they might have hurt my colleagues in some way, and with whom I have good and fair relationships. But as unfortunate as it sounds, I cannot be held responsible for his deeds and for his words because everybody is entitled to their opinion, even my father, and I love him so much, and respect him. He’s helped me so much in my life to arrive where I am but sometimes, you know, people come up with their opinions as they like and me, I have to say that I didn’t have any influence on that. And as I said, I cannot be responsible for it.”

Djokovic, the two-time defending Canadian Open champion, will open play either Tuesday night or early Wednesday against today’s Florian Mayer-Bernard Tomic winner. This is Novak’s first events since losing in the Wimbledon final to Andy Murray.

Djokovic is the No. 1 ranked player overall but trails Rafael Nadal in 2013 points only. He could meet Nadal in the semifinals.