Marko Djoković discusses mental health struggles and family pressure

Marko Djoković Novak Djoković mental health professional tennis family dynamics

Marko Djoković, brother of tennis star Novak Djoković, has opened up about the psychological struggles he faced growing up in the shadow of his brother's unprecedented success. In a recent interview, the 34-year-old former athlete revealed that he sought professional psychological help to cope with the difficulties of his upbringing.

Marko explained that while he does not blame his parents, they often lacked the time and energy to provide attention to him and his brother Djordje because they were focused on supporting Novak's exceptional talent. He noted that the high standards set by Novak's achievements led to feelings of frustration when he could not meet them.

Marko also highlighted the immense pressure Novak faced, recalling how at age 13, Novak moved to Germany with only ten euros after his father stated they could no longer afford to support him unless he committed 100 percent to tennis. Marko is now using his experiences to advocate for mental health awareness, specifically through the Love & Peace and Friends tournament, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the child, parent, and coach.

Entities

Love & Peace and Friends · Marko Djoković · Novak Djokovic

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Marko Djoković experienced frustration when he could not meet the high standards set by his brother's achievements. www.24hod.sk · sportnet.sme.sk · sita.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] Marko Djoković felt a lack of parental attention because his parents were focused on Novak's exceptional talent. www.24hod.sk · sportnet.sme.sk · sita.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] Marko Djoković experienced psychological difficulties due to living in the shadow of his brother Novak's success. www.24hod.sk · sportnet.sme.sk · sita.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] Novak Djoković faced significant pressure when he moved to Germany at age 13 to pursue tennis professionally. www.24hod.sk · sportnet.sme.sk · sita.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] Marko Djoković is using his experiences to promote discussions on mental health through the Love & Peace and Friends tournament. www.24hod.sk · sportnet.sme.sk · sita.sk

Sources

Djokovič brat Marko: Trpel som. Hľadal som pozornosť u rodičov, ale chýbali im energia a čas [www.24hod.sk]

24 days ago

Djokovičov brat o detstve bez rodičovskej pozornosti: Chápem ich, no trpel som [sportnet.sme.sk]

24 days ago

Djokovič brat Marko: Trpel som. Hľadal som pozornosť u rodičov, ale chýbali im energia a čas - SITA. sk [sita.sk]

24 days ago