Djokovic donates Rome prize money to flood-hit Serbia

Novak Djokovic has donated all of his €549,000 prize money from winning the Rome Masters to flood victims in his home country of Serbia

The world No.2 powered past defending champion Rafael Nadal 4-6 6-3 6-3 to win the tournament for a third time on Sunday.

He hit 45 winners compared to 15 from Nadal as he sealed a fourth straight victory over the Spaniard in two hours and 19 minutes.

But the 26-year-old Serbian said it had been an emotional week following the severe flooding in Serbia that has forced thousands to evacuate their homes and also left a number of people dead.

“People are struggling, people are losing homes,” he said. “There has been a lot of casualties, but the government is not able to name and to number because they are still discovering new bodies as the flood is backing up.

“So it’s been a very emotional week for me. Part of me is very happy to win the tournament here in Rome – it is a big one in our sport. On the other hand, my thoughts and all my love are with my people in Serbia.”

(Tennishead.net)