Novak Djokovic spoke about the fire that burned parts of the renowned Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. The World No.1 conveyed his sadness towards the citizens of Paris after the tragedy.

The 850-year-old Notre-Dame cathedral caught fire on Monday resulted with the cathedral’s spire burning down.

Novak Djokovic expressed his views on the devastating incident after winning the first round in Monte-Carlo Masters against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Shifting away from tennis, Novak Djokovic said, “Well, my thoughts and my prayers to all the people in Paris, in France. It’s a big blow for everyone in France but also for Europe. It’s one of the most iconic sites culturally and religiously in Europe and I think it’s almost 1000 years old, so it was a big shock for everyone. I have seen it late last night.”

Novak Djokovic is confident that the cathedral will be restored in all its splendour. He added, “I haven’t had a chance to speak to too many French people today, but it was definitely a difficult morning for all of them. But at the same time, I think what I saw is the firefighters did a great job, they saved a big part of it. So I am sure it will rise again.”

A fire broke out at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Monday, at the same time when the Notre-Dame cathedral caught fire.

Novak Djokovic also sent his prayers to Jerusalem, where the fire broke out in a Mosque. He said, “As I understood, I also saw that simultaneously at the same time in Jerusalem, a Mosque was burning as well. I don’t know if there is any connection or something but its really sad seeing those iconic buildings and structures to fall like that.”

“But I am sending my prayers and of course my best wishes to Parisians, all French people. Hopefully, Notre-Dame will rise again,” said Novak Djokovic.