"Bellingham exhibits traits of a great champion"

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, world number one, declared that Real Madrid's British player Jude Bellingham, despite being only 20 years old, has "traits of a great champion" because it shows in his "gestures, mentality, precision and reaction in the way he plays".

Djokovic was in Madrid to receive the Laureus Award for the best World Sportsman of the year 2023, the fifth time he has won this award.

The Serbian tennis player, the day before the gala, went to the Santiago Bernabeu to watch 'El Clasico' of the Spanish League between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which ended in victory for the white team thanks to a goal in injury time by Jude Bellingham.

"I met him in Madrid and congratulated him on his goal and the extraordinary achievements he is making. I'm not a football expert but watching his gestures I noticed elements of mentality, precision and reaction in the way he played. He was always trying to run and if he failed he looked frustrated," Djokovic said.

"I saw him with seriousness, dedication and patience waiting for his chance to come. He is only 20 years old but he has the traits of a great champion. He looks humble and I think he is a good person. Those are the values that children want. I think he is an extraordinary person", he concluded.

 

April 22, 2024