Novak Djokovic is a role model to many but the world number one draws inspiration from wheelchair tennis players such as Australia's Dylan Alcott, describing them as his "heroes".
Djokovic was speaking at the Australian Open where wheelchair tennis has grown in popularity since men's and women's competitions were first introduced to the tournament in 2002.
The Open features both wheelchair and quad wheelchair events in singles and doubles.
Djokovic said it was inspiring to watch wheelchair tennis and learn the challenges players had faced.
"I've said it before, these guys are heroes to me, they really are," Djokovic said.
"They make the game of tennis more beautiful and more unique because of what they do and how they do it.
"They turn their handicap into something that inspires a lot of people, including myself."
Djokovic has had the opportunity to build a friendship with star quad wheelchair player Alcott.
They have played together in promotional events at Melbourne Park, with Djokovic trying wheelchair tennis himself.
Djokovic heaped praise on Alcott, the four-time Australian Open quad wheelchair singles champion, who he described as a "great guy" and "very charismatic".
"I've had the opportunity to play with Dylan," he said.
"He got me into the wheelchair several years ago. That was one of the I think three times that I got in the wheelchair to try to play.
"Every next time I get in, I try to move around and hit the ball, I respect them even more. I appreciate what they do because it's much harder than it looks like."
Alcott is aiming for a fifth straight Australian Open title in the quad wheelchair singles at Melbourne Park.
A three-time Paralympic gold medallist in basketball and tennis, the top-seeded Alcott has begun his Melbourne Park campaign brightly with wins over his doubles partner Heath Davidson and American second seed David Wagner.
