It's been a long time since I last wrote...

Oct. 26, 2007 | Belgrade

The time has come for me to finally write something in my diary! I have been told off by many and people are getting impatient (understandably)! As you probably know, end of year is approaching (and with it the end of the tennis season), and I have many fantastic results behind me. This is undoubtedly the best year of my career (as far as tennis is concerned), and even outside of tennis I can't complain, because usually when you're in good spirits, positive energy arrives!

Still, tennis isn't everything (or sport in general). There have been numerous cases this year when I could have endangered my health, through pushing myself beyond the limits of what's possible and normal! Anyone who's played any sport in a professional capacity understands what hunger for victory and success means. In those moments your blood is pumped full of adrenalin and you don't feel pains or aches! However, despite all that I must take care of my health, because health should be everyone's top priority in life! I have learned that lesson a couple of times this season (particularly at Wimbledon) and I wish to avoid those situations.

I have always strived to create a team of people around me who will (as much as possible) make life easier, so that I didn't have to think about 100 things a day, but rather concentrate on what I do best! I'm not trying to preach to anybody, but those of you considering tennis as a career should be aware that you must be prepared for lots of sacrifice, training and self-investment! The more clear-headed and relaxed you feel, the better you will perform on court... Then again, it doesn't mean that everything has to be perfect. On many occasions have Jelena, Ana, Janko, Nenad and myself talked about our lives and growing up in Serbia! Many of the world media showed great interest when we emerged on the scene, coming from a country with relatively low living standards and virtually no facilities to produce professional tennis players! I don't think one could find a rational explanation, because there is no single formula! We each followed our own way and it was by chance that we all came through at the same time.

Janko has jokingly even mentioned radiation as the main cause of our success, but the real truth of the matter is the enormous desire to prove our worth and the support of our nearest and dearest! When I look back and consider the events I experienced in my childhood, I feel glad, because they made me mentally stronger and awoke the famous Serbian defiant streak in me!

Speaking of defiance, Serbs also have one negative trait, which is ENVY! As the Serbian saying goes: "May the neighbour's cow drop dead!" But still, this must be tolerated, for it is also part of life. Why did I mention this? Because I heard several negative comments and criticisms (which, of course, always exist) on account of my behaviour. For instance, I was criticised by a politician recently because I, together with Nenad, placed our flag onto the court following our doubles victory (on the second day of the Davis Cup). I don't know if this man had seen it, but the flag was inside the improvised HEART the two of us drew on the clay court of the Belgrade Arena! And how can I show the three-fingered salute when I win all over the world? But why would I be ashamed of where I am from!?

As a professional tennis player, with my results I promote first and foremost myself as an individual (and my family), and then too my country! I have been through a lot on route to becoming number 3 in the world, and I don't wish to justify my actions to anyone, but some peoples' disrespect hurts me at times. Every time that a professional sportsperson, artist, musician, actor emerges on the world scene, and next to their name it says SERBIA, that is the best possible publicity for our country! Given the fact we have many very talented and successful people in different walks of life, the world is seeing us in an increasingly positive light. Instead of respecting and admiring such people, there are a few who are malicious toward them! Such mentality cannot be changed, but we still tolerate it and are still proud to carry our flag and raise the three fingers!

But never mind, I just wanted to tell you my opinion on some of those negative issues which are really not worth much discussion.

Anyway, I haven't written for a while, so I must briefly comment on my experiences of the last few months.

First I must tell you about my preparations for the US leg of the tour, which also was my most successful campaign to date! My preparations took place in Zemun, on the newly built (indoor) tennis courts, whose surface is similar to the US hard courts. Turning off the motorway if driving in the direction of Novi Sad, after about a kilometer on your left you can see an area of Zemun which mainly houses warehouses and factories belonging to various businesses and companies! In the middle of those warehouses you can find a tennis court where together with my coach and fitness trainer I prepared for the hard court season. It was an interesting and unforgettable experience! The dean of my university even filmed everything so that one time we can show you all on my site.

There is no other country like America! As soon as you arrive, you can feel a change in the air, something you're not used... Some like it, other not so much, and I have to say I'm with the latter on this one... Of course there are many beautiful and intriguing places which must be visited, but the mentality is completely different from Europe. New York is a crazy city, with many happenings you simply can't avoid!. It all happens in Manhattan, where the majority of male and female tennis players are staying. For the past three years I stayed in the very centre, but next year I'll stay somewhere else for sure, because it's too noisy and you can't have peace and privacy which is essential when you're playing such an important tournament.

- Nole