‘I came from nothing’ - Djokovic says tough childhood made him a fighter

MELBOURNE: All-conquering Novak Djokovic on Sunday said a turbulent childhood where he had to queue for milk and bread in war-torn Serbia made him hungry for success after he fought back from the brink to win his eighth Australian Open.

Asked how he managed to keep winning in pressure situations, Djokovic said it stemmed from his early life.

"My upbringing was in Serbia during several wars during the '90s, difficult time, embargo in our country where we had to wait in line for bread, milk, water, some basic things in life," he said.

"These kinds of things make you stronger and hungrier for success I think whatever you choose to do.

"That probably has been my foundation, the very fact that I came from literally nothing and difficult life circumstances together with my family and with my people.

"Going back to that, reminding myself where I came from always inspires me, motivates me to push even harder.

"That's probably one of the reasons why I managed to find that extra gear or necessary mental strength to overcome challenges when they present themselves." Agencies

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