Djokovic, others play charity match for flood-hit Balkans

PARIS – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic organized an exhibition match on the Roland Garros’ central court Saturday and the proceeds will be used as aid for the people badly hit by the recent floods in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH).

It started raining on the center court at one moment but it did not stop the tennis players from continuing the humanitarian activity.

Also taking part in the campaign were Jelena Jankovic, Jovana Jaksic, Kristina Mladenovic, Dusan Lajovic, Damir Dzumhur, Ivan Dodig, Goran Ivanisevic and Marin Cilic.

A disaster occurred in the Balkans and we really need you. Thank you, Djokovic said.

Images of flooded areas in the region were being shown on a video screen during the event, and a banner of solidarity with the people of Serbia, BiH and Croatia was raised in the seats among the audience.

World number two Djokovic dedicated the Rome Masters title he won last week and the prize to his flood-hit country.

Photo Tanjug, N. Jovanovic