Novak Đoković

36 ADDITIONAL READING NOVAK ÐOKOVIĆ

Class discussion. Answer these questions.

What would you ask a famous sportsman if you got the chance to meet them? Are famous people always likable and friendly? Who are your role models?

READING

Novak Đoković is certainly the country’s greatest and most famous sportsman, a great young champion with special charisma and extraordinary talent.

When he was still a boy learning how to play tennis, he publicly declared that he wanted to be ‘number one in the world’. At the age of 24, his wishes came true and he reached the summit of his ambition. First, he led Serbia to Davis Cup victory in December 2010 and then, after a spectacular season in 2011, he won his first Wimbledon title on July 4th and proved himself the best player in the world. It was his 50th win in 51 matches.

At the closing ceremony Đoković said: ‘It’s really hard to describe this with any words except as the most special day of my life…’ and he was so overcome with emotion that he knelt down and ate some of the Centre Court grass.

Some 100,000 Serbian fans gave Novak Đoković a royal reception after he arrived home to celebrate his Wimbledon singles title. Many young people had gathered outside the Serbian parliament, waving Serbian flags and placards that read: ‘Nole, we love you’. The crowd cheered Novak as he stepped onto the stage, happy and smiling, holding a replica of the Wimbledon trophy. ‘This is absolutely unbelievable and I owe all of you enormous gratitude for this reception; you are the best in the world because only Serbian fans can throw a party like this,’ said Đoković.

The great thing about Novak is that besides being an excellent tennis player with a remarkable physical talent — he has a first-class backhand, forehand and serve, a powerful return, and strong mental stability — he is also a warm, charming and friendly person.

Novak Đoković likes to be impressive and to be considered special and unique. He is well-known in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) as a natural showman, because of his sense of humour. With his dazzling personality, he knows how to put on a brilliant show. Whatever Novak does, he does it in a unique and individual way.

VOCABULARY

a cb

1 Complete the sentences by using the correct word/phrasal verb from the list.

1. Accept this job offer. You’ll never get such an ____________ again. 2. Everybody thinks that the Mona Lisa is a real ______________. 3. ‘Why do they say that you are ___________?’ ‘Because I keep forgetting things.’ 4. They put up ___________ lights which lit up the whole stadium. 5. She wrote several, very good ______________ novels. 6. Einstein’s chauffeur ___________ to be the great scientist. 7. We moved to a new house and soon ______________ . 8. She ____________ all her time to raising children. 9. The name of his company ______ _____ clearly above the front door. 10. If the boss fires you, we’ll all ______ _____ you.

GRAMMAR

2 Decide if the underlined part of the sentence is correct or incorrect. Correct the incorrect sentences.

1. I noticed him as he was coming. 2. The plane was crashing only half an hour ago. 3. He was getting into the car when he was hearing a loud bang. 4. Suddenly he came round the corner and was walking right up to me. 5. I used to collect dolls when I was 10 years old. 6. He chewed gum so, of course, he couldn’t speak properly. 7. He was forgetting to wind the clock up last night. 8. This time last year I lived in a small village nearby. 9. While I was lighting the fire, my friend was making coffee. 10. I would live in this town when I went to primary school.

3 Irregular verbs What is the past tense of the following irregular verbs?

1. grow ____________ 2. lose ____________ 3. catch ____________ 4. wear ____________ 5. drink ____________ 6. sweep ____________ 7. fall ____________ 8. fight ____________ 9. choose ____________ 10. tear ____________

KEY WORD LIST

Nouns

destiny masterpiece feature mind opportunity

Adjectives

powerful diplomatic historical absent-minded distinguished faithful piercing remarkable

Verbs

accompany attend deliver devote involve pretend settle in

Phrasal verbs

stand by stand for stand in stand out

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