In a heartwarming announcement that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, tennis icon Novak Djokovic and his wife, Jelena Djokovic, revealed on May 24, 2025, that they have adopted a baby girl from the Hope Orphanage in Belgrade, Serbia. The couple named the child Mila, a name meaning “dear” or “loved one” in Serbian, symbolizing the love they intend to pour into her life. The adoption, shared during a press conference following Djokovic’s victory at the 2025 Italian Open, brought their nanny, Ana Petrović, to tears—not only because of the couple’s decision to expand their family but also due to a touching gesture that honored her own role in their lives.

The Djokovics, already parents to Stefan, 9, and Tara, 7, have long been advocates for children’s welfare through their Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education in Serbia. The decision to adopt came after years of supporting the Hope Orphanage, a facility dedicated to providing care for abandoned and vulnerable children. “We’ve seen the struggles of these kids up close,” Jelena said. “Mila was a light from the moment we met her. We knew she belonged with us.” The couple’s visit to the orphanage in early 2025, initially intended as a charitable event, turned into a life-changing moment when they connected with the infant, then just six months old.

What moved Ana Petrović, the family’s nanny of eight years, to tears was the Djokovics’ decision to name Mila in part after Ana’s late mother, Milena, who had been a close friend of the Djokovic family before her passing in 2020. “They didn’t have to do that,” Ana said, her voice breaking during an interview with Tennis365. “Milena loved Novak and Jelena like her own. To know her name lives on in Mila—it’s overwhelming.” The gesture was a testament to the Djokovics’ deep appreciation for Ana, who has been a pillar of support in raising Stefan and Tara while the couple balanced their demanding careers.

Novak, fresh off his record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title, spoke candidly about the adoption’s emotional weight. “Becoming a father again, this way, feels like a gift,” he said, visibly moved. “Mila’s story is just beginning, and we’re honored to be part of it.” The couple’s decision has sparked widespread praise on platforms like X, with fans lauding their compassion. One user wrote, “Novak and Jelena adopting Mila is pure love. Naming her after their nanny’s mom? That’s next-level kindness.” The move also counters baseless rumors about the couple’s personal life, including unfounded 2024 speculations about Novak’s fidelity, which were dismissed as “gossip” by close associates.

The adoption aligns with the Djokovics’ commitment to giving back, a value rooted in their own humble beginnings in Serbia. Jelena, who has openly discussed the challenges of parenting in the public eye, emphasized the importance of providing Mila with a stable, loving home. “We want her to grow up knowing she’s enough, just as she is,” she said, echoing sentiments from a recent Sportskeeda interview about her parenting philosophy. The couple plans to continue their work with the Hope Orphanage, aiming to raise awareness about adoption and child welfare.

As the Djokovics prepare for Wimbledon 2025, their family’s newest member has already become a source of inspiration. Mila’s adoption, coupled with the touching tribute to Ana’s mother, underscores the couple’s belief in the power of family—biological or chosen. This moment not only deepens Novak’s legacy as a champion but also cements the Djokovics as a beacon of compassion in a world that needs it most.