Novak Djokovic: «I thank Bulat Utemuratov, president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, on behalf of all the players for organising such a tournament»
Novak Djokovic, 21-time Grand Slam singles champion, spoke about his attitude towards Kazakhstan and his friendship with Bulat Utemuratov, president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation.
«The tournament had a very strong line-up and when I saw the draw I was surprised because such a line-up is usually gathered at the Masters or Grand Slams. I've spoken to other players and all are of the same opinion - everything is organised at the highest level here. The last time I was in Kazakhstan was in 2019, when Rafa and I had an exhibition match in Astana. We didn't get to see everything in one day, but now I'm playing the full-time tournament, so I have a whole week ahead, and I will definitely visit the local sights. I had an opportunity to walk in the park this morning, the weather was lovely, I`d like to note particularly the people here - they`re very nice and kind, I can feel their support and energy.
Bulat Utemuratov is one of the people I can call a friend. He is a friend of my family, he is a friend of my uncle. He is very interested in developing tennis in Kazakhstan. He has a high status in International Tennis Federation. He respects all the players, he's one of those people you can always hear warm words from wherever we meet. It's great that there are such people who seriously support tennis. I also visited one of his Foundation's centres for children with autism. I saw a video presentation of the activities his charitable foundation does in Kazakhstan. It's amazing that there is such a man! For me, it is wonderful. On behalf of all the players, I thank him for organizing such a tournament! We are really enjoying it,» said Djokovic at the press conference
«The tournament had a very strong line-up and when I saw the draw I was surprised because such a line-up is usually gathered at the Masters or Grand Slams. I've spoken to other players and all are of the same opinion - everything is organised at the highest level here. The last time I was in Kazakhstan was in 2019, when Rafa and I had an exhibition match in Astana. We didn't get to see everything in one day, but now I'm playing the full-time tournament, so I have a whole week ahead, and I will definitely visit the local sights. I had an opportunity to walk in the park this morning, the weather was lovely, I`d like to note particularly the people here - they`re very nice and kind, I can feel their support and energy.
Bulat Utemuratov is one of the people I can call a friend. He is a friend of my family, he is a friend of my uncle. He is very interested in developing tennis in Kazakhstan. He has a high status in International Tennis Federation. He respects all the players, he's one of those people you can always hear warm words from wherever we meet. It's great that there are such people who seriously support tennis. I also visited one of his Foundation's centres for children with autism. I saw a video presentation of the activities his charitable foundation does in Kazakhstan. It's amazing that there is such a man! For me, it is wonderful. On behalf of all the players, I thank him for organizing such a tournament! We are really enjoying it,» said Djokovic at the press conference
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