Top Ranked Djokovic Wouldn't Have A Problem With An Out Pro Tennis Player

Novak Djokovic (image via WikiMedia)

The top ranked male tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, says he would support the coming out of a male pro tennis player.

Outsports reports that after his round-robin win at the the ATP World Tour Finals in London earlier this month, Djokovic told reporters he would see a fellow player coming out as a “courageous move.”

Although there are several female professional tennis player both past and present, no professional male player has come out publicly at this time.

When asked what his reaction would be to a player coming out, the 14-time grand slam champion said, “I wouldn’t have anything against that, absolutely.”

“It’s everybody’s right to have sexual orientation as they desire, any kind of direction in life they desire,” he replied. “I respect it.”

The Serbian did acknowledge that while he doesn’t “see people differently if they come out like that,” he was quick to add that “certain parts of the world are not ready to accept that.”

He would know. His native country of Serbia has a troubled past when it comes to LGBTQ rights and protections.

Although Serbia has an openly gay Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić, the country offers no legal recognition for same-sex relationships and adoption by gay couples isn’t allowed.

In fact, it wasn’t until 1994 that the country reversed its laws making homosexuality illegal.

Djokovic, however, has a much more LGBTQ-friendly history.

Gay Star News points up an episode at the 2012 US Open when, during a practice session, a young boy asked the superstar to marry him.

With a warm smile, Djokovic laughed, shook the boy’s hand and actually invited him onto the court for a little practice.

Watch the ‘proposal’ and Djokovic’s reaction below.

And thanks, ND, for being a true champion.

Djokovic and Dimitrov go shirtless in tennis match strip tease

During a pre-Wimbledon event Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov (the boyfriend of Maria Sharapova) staged a strip-tease contest leaving them shirtless and the crowd entertained.

My favorite comment on YouTube: "If Grigor and Novak have their shirts off DO NOT PAN TO THE CROWD CAMERAMAN #rude"

Novak Djokovic strips down for female fans at exhibition match

Accidental Bear points up this one minute video where world class tennis player Novak Djokovic goes shirtless to give some female fans a treat in Brazil.

Novak Djokovic Marriage Proposal from Kid

At a practice session for the US Open, a boy from the stands yells "Djokovic will you marry me?"

In a very classy move, he waves the boy down from the stand for a hug and a few practice serves. Think about what this must have meant to the boy, who has a wicked serve, by the way...

Earlier this year, while in Australia, I stayed in a small boutique hotel in Melbourne during the Australian Open. I know the owner and he shared with me that I was staying the room right under Djokovic. I joked with friends during the week that the biggest tennis star in the world was sleeping on top of me :)

I only passed him in the lobby a few times but it's always cool to see athletes with so much pressure on them be gracious and cool.

Watch the video with Nole and the lucky kid.

(h/t Towleroad)

Novak Djokovic shirtless

While visiting Melbourne, Australia, during the Australian Open, I realized not only was I staying in the same hotel as Novak Djokovic - the #1 male tennis player in the world - but I was in the room directly beneath him.  

I instantly realized that I would be able to say "I slept beneath the #1 male tennis player in the world for two nights."

Let's face it, he's pretty hot.