Djokovic explains why he can speak so many languages

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 14 Jul 2024 | 11.04

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Novak Djokovic has a special character and an innate ability to speak languages, but also a strong will to make himself understood wherever he goes and to learn from other cultures. The interest that the Serbian has always shown in communicating in different languages has led to a spectacular and enviable polyglot character, as discussed at Wimbledon 2024.

While it is true that inhabitants of small countries have a greater need to speak other languages and Balkan people tend to be inclined towards this, Novak Djokovic's case is exceptional. His need to leave his country at a very young age made Novak soon realize the importance of learning other languages to build trust and closeness with others. He expressed this in a press conference at this Wimbledon 2024, when questioned about it by some Serbian media, as revealed by Ana Mitric.

"I have loved learning languages since I was a child. I soon realized that if I wanted to pursue tennis, it would be very beneficial to speak several languages because it is a sport that requires constant travel around the world. Even as a junior, I had to travel throughout Europe, go to America, and the Middle East. I left school with a good level of English, which I continued to improve, and I also learned some German, a language I solidified when I trained at the Pilic academy between the ages of 12 and 16," Djokovic confesses.

- Djokovic could speak four languages when he was just 16 years old

But that's not all. "During that time, I met several Italian people with whom I started working, something I have maintained throughout my career. I tried from the beginning to communicate with them in their language, and that's how I learned Italian because I also loved the language," confesses Novak, who leverages his deep knowledge of Italian to enhance his level in Spanish and Portuguese every day, languages he can speak fluently and on which he continues to expand whenever he has the opportunity.

"I have the tendency and the desire to keep improving in this aspect and learn new languages. In my country, we often say that a person's value is determined by the languages they speak and that it is crucial to show respect and interest wherever you go by making an effort to speak in the local language. When someone makes that effort and tries to learn phrases, they show genuine appreciation and interest in the culture of the country they are in, and that is highly valuable," he pointed out.

Asked about the method he follows to master so many languages, Novak Djokovic was clear. "Many languages are spoken in the locker room, so it all comes naturally. The only point is how far each of us is willing to go in learning and also if someone can help you by speaking with you daily in the language you want to learn. In any case, now we have many methods to learn languages quickly; all that is needed is the will to do it. If you want something, you will find time. If you don't want it, you will find excuses not to do it," he affirmed.

- These are the languages Novak Djokovic speaks

Apart from his native language, Serbo-Croatian, Novak Djokovic learned English, German, and Italian as a child, languages in which he excels and uses daily, especially German and Italian. He can also speak Spanish and Portuguese with some fluency and is very proficient in French, as demonstrated each year at Roland Garros. In addition to these, he has some knowledge of Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese. Simply impressive.