Novak Djokovic: Being a role model to children is a 'great privilege'

Novak Djokovic believes there is more to just being the world no. 1 and piling up Grand Slam titles, and that is being a role model to children around the world.

In an interview with CNN, Djokovic and his wife Jelena talked about establishing the Novak Djokovic Foundation in a bid to nurture the minds of children under six years of age. They also shared how they came up with the idea of building their own charity. The 11-time Grand Slam winner stressed that athletes are role models to children. Djokovic said it is a “great privilege and great opportunity” to do something positive.

"Children want more knowledge; they want more information and they want more facts," Novak said. "If they like you -- for one reason or another -- they will follow you in every part of your life. Some people may look at that as a burden, but I look at it as a great privilege and a great opportunity to do something, and create a change that will be positive."

Last month, Djokovic’s foundation donated $20,000 to Melbourne City Mission’s early childhood program to help disadvantaged children after the 28-year-old won his sixth Australian Open title. The money was allocated toward the missions’ early years supported playgroup program in the outer suburbs of Baybrook and Doreen.

"Early childhood education gives children a chance to respond strongly to any challenge and become winners in any field," Djokovic said in a statement, reports the ABC. "Melbourne City Mission is a leader in providing innovative and effective early childhood programs, and we're very happy to contribute towards their work in this area."

The Novak Djokovic Foundation was founded by the Serb in 2007, with a goal to invest in early childhood education and development programs. Its projects are mainly focusing in Serbia, but has recently been carrying out advocacies globally.