The reason why Novak Djokovic turned down the chance to represent Great Britain in tennis

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Novak Djokovic is the greatest athlete in Serbian sporting history.

But he almost chose to represent a different country altogether…

Impressing on the junior circuit, Djokovic attracted attention from scouts around the world, some of whom represented the LTA [Lawn Tennis Association – Great Britain].

Djokovic was offered the chance to switch nationalities and represent Great Britain in tennis.

During an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2020, Djokovic explained why he turned down that opportunity.

Novak Djokovic said he didn’t want to live in England

His parents were tempted by the offer to move to England and have their children, Novak Djokovic, Djordje Djokovic, and Marko Djokovic represent Great Britain.

“Well, it was mostly the decision of my parents, to be honest,” said Djokovic.

“I was doing really well in the international tournaments, under 12 and under 14 years of age.

“So I got spotted by tennis agents in these junior events, and we got offered to switch nationalities to British nationality when I was 14 years old. 

“It was very tempting at that time, for my parents, very, very tempting, because my family, my parents would get a job, my family would have a house, it was a great, great deal.

“But we turned it down, and I’m glad.”

Djokovic explained why he wasn’t too fond of the idea.

“Yes, I was included in the conversations, but I personally didn’t feel it from the beginning,” he said.

“I said, listen, I don’t want to go and live in England, I don’t know anybody, I want to stay here with my friends, with my school, with my wife, my country, my language, I have everything here.

“I didn’t feel that I would feel as happy there.”

Declining the offer, Djokovic went on to become the greatest Serbian player ever.

He even helped guide the team to their one and only Davis Cup title…

How Novak Djokovic helped Serbia win the 2010 Davis Cup

Djokovic was an integral member of Serbia’s 2010 Davis Cup-winning side.

Kicking off their campaign in March, Serbia and Djokovic took down the record-32-time champions, Team USA, in Belgrade.

Serbia vs USA (2010 Davis Cup 1R)

Advancing to the quarterfinals, Serbia met Croatia in Split.

Winning both of his singles matches, Djokovic helped seal victory for his side, as they booked their place in the final four.

Serbia vs Croatia (2010 Davis Cup QF)

There, Serbia looked in danger of exiting the competition, trailing the Czech Republic 2-1 after the first three matches.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Djokovic beat Tomas Berdych to force a decider, which Janko Tipsarevic won in straight sets.

Serbia vs Czech Republic (2010 Davis Cup SF)

They didn’t have an easy time in the final either, and needed Djokovic to bail them out again.

Djokovic dominated Gael Monfils to set up an intense conclusion to the 2010 Davis Cup final.

Picking up the win for his side, Victor Troicki beat Michael Llodra, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, as Serbia beat France to win their first Davis Cup title.

Serbia vs France (2010 Davis Cup F)

Serbia haven’t won another title since, but the nation will never forget their legendary win in 2010.

Perhaps, they’ll repeat the feat in 2026…

Serbia will play Chile in the first round of qualifiers on February 6.