Tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic are calling for support for their native country as Serbia is still reeling from a catastrophic flooding due to torrential rains that affected their country for over a week.
The duo invited fans at the Pietrangeli court at Foro Italico to take a photograph with them holding a banner that reads “Support Serbia and Bosnia.” They aim to raise awareness and gather support for the undertaking. The duo also wore a sticker bearing the same message in their respective matches at this week’s Rome Masters.
As of latest update, more than 20 people have been killed in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Thousands of families have been evacuated from towns that are at risk of flooding.
“I’m following it as much as I can,” said Djokovic. “I am on the phone, following the news online. A flood like this hasn’t been seen in the history of my country. It’s a total catastrophe of biblical proportion. Half of the country is in danger, not having electricity, mobilisation, and we are talking about cities not small villages.”
The Serbian world number two hopes that the event will go viral and raise awareness.
“I hope this little event we organised goes viral because unfortunately there is not enough awareness of what’s going on,” he said. “We need help. There will be a minimum of several months of recovery and we need as much as help as possible.”
For those who would like to contribute to relief and rescue efforts, you can visit the Novak Djokovic Foundation’s official website HERE.
