Novak Djokovic’s book reveals further details of his relationship with basketball legend Kobe Bryant

He is the most successful tennis player of all time and now a new book reveals the story behind Novak Djokovic.

In his gripping new book, respected author Mark Hodgkinson has presented the most comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s story and discovered what drives him to success. Searching for Novak – The man behind the mystery.

If you think you know the story behind Djokovic’s remarkable rise to international superstardom, this book will give you a deeper understanding of a player who attracts a level of admiration and loathing that is unmatched by any other athlete.

With laser-like attention to detail, author Hodgkinson speaks to the key figures in Djokovic’s career, telling a story as remarkable as any in modern sport.

Chapter 11 is particularly exciting, as its title already prepares the reader for what is to come.

“Other tennis players have critics or detractors; Novak Djokovic has haters,” begins a passage in the book that sheds light on the story of a man who has attracted unprecedented vitriol.

This chapter examines the bond between basketball star Kobe Bryant and Djokovic, which was formed before the former’s untimely death in a helicopter crash, and explores in detail the comparisons between the two men.

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“When Djokovic was down and felt he needed a lift, he would call Bryant and be sure the American would bet for him,” Hodgkinson writes.

“Even though Bryant didn’t know all the intricacies of tennis, he understood the emotional challenges that come with being a top athlete, and that’s what Djokovic wanted from his friend: to speak on an emotional level.

“Sometimes when Bryant was on the phone, he would immediately offer advice and words of encouragement to Djokovic.

“There were also occasions when Bryant wanted to reflect on Djokovic’s problems and then come back to him with a well-considered opinion.”

Djokovic has spoken about his connection with the basketball star, but this report shows how close the two were before Bryant lost his life so suddenly and tragically in 2020.

This superbly designed book also tells the story of the Belgrade bomb shelter where Djokovic spent so many nights during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, while Hodgkinson was in the bunker on a research trip. He also speaks to people close to Djokovic about how he processed his anger at NATO and found a way to “forgive.”

The passages about his time in detention in Melbourne after being denied entry into the country in 2021 due to Covid restrictions are an obvious talking point. The author suggests that the time in the detention camp changed Djokovic – even made him a better tennis player. A friend and confidant advised him to use the time to reflect on the suffering of others who have been in the system for years.

Hodgkinson examines Djokovic’s oft-mentioned diet and how he drinks “pyramid water” found in tunnels beneath pyramids in Bosnia.

He also looks at the fascinating story of the efforts of the British tennis authorities to persuade Djokovic to register for Great Britain in his early days.

A place on their Davis Cup team alongside Andy Murray might have been tempting, as the financial support from the LTA had to be attractive to a young man of limited means in Serbia, but he remained loyal to his country and eventually reaped the fruits of his labour.

This came after he was forced to borrow money from a loan shark to finance his tennis training, as Djokovic’s parents were under enormous pressure and had moments when they questioned whether they should stop supporting their son’s tennis dream.

This book takes a comprehensive look at Djokovic’s personality. Whether you love, hate or loathe the most compelling tennis player of his generation, it is a must-read for all tennis fans.

“Searching For Novak – The Man Behind The Enigma” is now available.