Amazon Orders Novak Djokovic Docuseries

SEATTLE: Amazon has greenlit a documentary series about Novak Djokovic, the world’s number-one ranked tennis player.

The Amazon original series Novak (working title) will follow Djokovic, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles, delving into what motivates the athlete to be the best he can be on and off the court. The series will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Austria and Japan. It will be available via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online.

Based on a concept by Alberto Scarpetta and Djokovic, the series will give an unprecedented inside look into his life over the next tennis season. It will also follow Djokovic’s work in education reform through the Novak Djokovic Foundation and charities such as UNICEF, trips to his hometown in Serbia and even his daily journal entries.

“There are not enough superlatives to describe Novak Djokovic, one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional, exciting and captivating athletes on the planet,” said Conrad Riggs, the head of unscripted for Amazon originals. “Prime members will get an intimate look at the mind and life of a world champion, husband and father, as well as the incredible group of individuals that make up his team.”

“Passion, perseverance, commitment and self-awareness are key elements of a champion, but these are impossible to maintain without strong support around you,” said Djokovic. “I am fortunate to have the support of both a caring family and a strong team working with me. My fans have been suffering and celebrating with me from the very beginning of my career on the tennis courts and now I want to share with them all my daily life and what’s important to me—my values, my beliefs and my habits—and also introduce to them all the amazing people that are always next to me.”

Novak is slated to be co-produced by The WorkShop (The Haney Project, The Vince Papale Story) and Film 45 (On Freddie Roach, Live to Tell), which was founded by Peter Berg (Lone Survivor), who will serve as an executive producer. Djokovic and Scarpetta will executive produce along with The WorkShop’s Tom Farrell and Todd Donnelly, Film 45’s Matthew Goldberg and Brandon Carroll, and The Alternative Co.’s John Ferriter. John Henion (Fearless, Chef’s Table, Road to the Show) is lined up to serve as co-executive producer and showrunner. Former professional tennis player Boris Kodjoe and former UCLA All American and NCAA Champion Philipp Gruendler are slated as co-executive producer and consulting producer, respectively.