18-year-old Canadian tennis prodigy Marina Stakusic is making waves in the women’s game, having broken into the top 200 in the world rankings this season. After a breakthrough run to the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup with Canada last month, Stakusic has revealed her admiration for men’s tennis legend Novak Djokovic.

Stakusic made a memorable debut for Canada at the BJK Cup in November, helping the team reach the last eight of the international women’s team competition for the first time. Her impressive performances included victories over higher-ranked opponents from Ukraine and Italy. Looking at her growth, it won’t be surprising to hear that she looks up to Djokovic. Here’s what she said about him.

Rising Canadian star Marina Stakusic emerges as Novak Djokovic supporter

In a recent interview with journalist Carlos Navarro about making her breakthrough at the BJK Cup, Stakusic spoke about the players who have inspired her during her development. “My idol was Djokovic. His mentality on court, the way he can always, even if it seems he might lose, figure out a way to win. He was definitely my idol” she said.

Stakusic added, “His work ethic, fight and desire to be the best are really admirable.” Stakusic recalled watching one of Djokovic’s epic five-set matches at a Grand Slam, where the Serb rallied from two sets down to win the title. “That match showed me what true greatness and perseverance looks like,” she stated.

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Stakusic is truly interested in Novak Djokovic’s game approach. The desire to dominate in every set and the hunger to keep winning is what attracted Djokovic to the young Canadian. She went on to say that she is focused only on Djokovic the player, not any off-court politics. “All I see is the way he fights for every point. He never gives up and leaves everything on the court,” she added.

Read More: ‘Age Out of the Window’- Novak Djokovic’s ‘Phenomenal’ Feats Leave 47YO Former American WTA Icon in Awe

A bright future but plenty of room for improvement

While Stakusic has made great strides this season by breaking into the top 200, she acknowledges there is still room for growth. Her coach Adrian Martin agrees that more experience at the highest levels will help her with that.

If Stakusic can continue improving key aspects of her game, many see her following in the footsteps of fellow Canadian stars like Bianca Andreescu and Leylah Fernandez in rising up the rankings further.

While still early in her career, Marina Stakusic is emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in Canadian tennis. Revealing her admiration for Djokovic shows the level of player she aspires to emulate. With more experience and continued development, Stakusic looks poised for a breakthrough 2023 season that could see her cement her place among the world’s top 100.

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