Novak Djokovic Wants Help for Flood-Hit Serbia

Novak Djokovic on Saturday appealed for help as the heaviest rains in more than a century sparked floods across Bosnia and his native Serbia, claiming at least 16 lives.

"These floods are unprecedented. I've heard it's like biblical proportions... we're talking about whole cities being evacuated," said Djokovic after winning a tough clash with hard-hitting Canadian rival Milos Raonic to book his place in the final of the Rome Masters.

After his 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory, Djokovic, the world number two, wrote a message in Cyrillic on a television camera.

He later explained: "The message I wrote was to help support Serbia. I wrote in Cyrillic 'I love you'."

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated from a number of towns throughout Serbia. Authorities said some 95,000 homes in Serbia and 60,000 in Bosnia have no power at all.

Djokovic, a huge star in his country, said the situation had left him feeling helpless and called for more awareness of the problem.

"I'm following news online, trying to be as involved as much as I can," he added.

"But even the people who are there, they can't do much. Nature is a higher force, and these floods are unprecedented.

"I'm feeling uncomfortable... I can't help while being here. Unfortunately, it's not being spoken about enough but it's probably the biggest flood Europe has even seen.

"I just hope people can find the common sense to spread the word. We need help. We need the rain to stop after four days.

"But then there's going to be a period of several months recovery."

Djokovic set up a possible 41st career meeting with world number one Rafael Nadal, who plays his semi-final later Saturday.