Djokovic has made waves by previously asking American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida earlier in 2023 despite being unvaccinated.
Speaking of his victory, The Guardian reported: “I don’t know where to start,” Djokovic says. “It obviously means the world to me. I’m kind of repeating myself but I have to say it every time: I’m really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in the sport that has given me and my family so much. Coming from very difficult circumstances and adversities, during the 90s, a couple of wars in our country, and being able to push through. Especially for my parents, giving a lot of sacrifice to support me to play. I love you so much.”
He continues: “To support me to play the sport, which is a very expensive sport. At that time, very expensive, not accessible, not affordable. But I fell in love with the tennis. No one has played tennis in my family before. It was quite a choice I must say. But incredible resilience, just belief from my parents and all the people around me. All these years, my wife, my kids, my team, everyone that is there. This is your trophy as much as it is mine. This is your success. I love you.”
Following his win, Djokovic paid tribute to his late friend, basketball legend Kobe Bryant: "Kobe was a close friend. ... 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend ... so I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him for all the things he's done."
