Novak painting

In celebration of Novak Djokovic’s qualification for the 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the ATP has released the Serbian’s one-of-a-kind self-portrait, created using paint covered tennis balls, to mark his participation in this year’s season-ending event.

As the first three players to qualify for the tournament, Djokovic’s artwork will hang alongside self-portraits by World No.1 Rafael Nadal and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the lead up to the season finale, to be held at The O2 in London from 21-28 November. Only the world’s Top 8 players who qualify to compete in the season finale will have their works of art exhibited and auctioned for charity in London.

Djokovic, renowned for his sense of humour on the Tour, showcased an appetite for artistic freedom during the making of his self-portrait. “I’ve been trying to express myself with painting for many years but nobody was taking any notice. This is the first work that goes public and I think the people will judge for themselves. But don’t try this at home!” he said.

The Serb, who won his 18th career title last Sunday at the China Open in Beijing, captured the season-ending event in 2008 but fell during the group stages last year at The O2. Djokovic is already looking forward to a return to The O2 in November.

“It’s a great achievement to qualify. It was incredible how many people came out to watch each and every match last year. I haven’t experienced that before. Every match I played last year was a full stadium with 15,000 people and I really look forward to playing in front of that crowd again. Of course I will do my best to get even further than I did last year to try to pass the group stage,” said the World No.2.



Courtesy: ATP