Novak Djokovic’s Heartwarming Gesture Transforms Life for Single Mother and Her Children

In a world where sports stars often shine brightest on the court, Novak Djokovic proved once again that his impact extends far beyond tennis. Recently, the 24-time Grand Slam champion made headlines not for a powerful serve or a record-breaking win, but for a quiet act of kindness that changed the life of a single mother named Carla and her two young children.

Every morning, rain or shine, Carla, a single mother in Belgrade, Serbia, walks her two children, Ana (8) and Marko (6), to their local school. Struggling to make ends meet after losing her job during the pandemic, Carla’s daily routine caught the attention of Djokovic during one of his morning runs near his hometown. The tennis legend, known for his deep connection to his Serbian roots, noticed the family’s resilience and determination despite their visible hardships. Touched by their story, Djokovic decided to act in a way that would leave a lasting impact.

Carla’s challenges were not unlike those faced by many families in Serbia, where economic struggles can make access to education and basic needs a daily battle. Djokovic, whose own childhood was marked by perseverance through war and economic hardship, felt a personal connection to Carla’s plight. Through his Novak Djokovic Foundation, established in 2007 to support early childhood education, he reached out to the family discreetly, ensuring their dignity remained intact.

In a move that stunned Carla, Djokovic arranged for a full scholarship to cover Ana and Marko’s school fees, uniforms, and supplies for the next five years. But his generosity didn’t stop there. Recognizing the family’s housing instability, he connected Carla with a local nonprofit partner of his foundation, which provided affordable housing and job training opportunities. Within weeks, Carla secured a part-time job at a community center, giving her the means to rebuild her life while ensuring her children could focus on their education.

“Seeing a mother’s love and sacrifice reminded me of my own parents,” Djokovic shared in a rare comment about the encounter. “I just wanted to give her children the chance to dream big, like I did.” True to his character, Djokovic kept the gesture low-key, avoiding media fanfare. The story only surfaced when a local teacher, moved by the transformation in Ana and Marko’s lives, shared it with a Serbian news outlet.

Carla, overwhelmed with gratitude, described the moment she learned of Djokovic’s help. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said, tears welling up. “Novak didn’t just give us money—he gave us hope. My children now talk about becoming doctors and teachers. They believe in their future.”

This act of kindness aligns with Djokovic’s long-standing commitment to education. His foundation has supported over 50,000 children across Serbia, building preschools and providing resources to underserved communities. In 2025 alone, the foundation expanded its programs to include digital learning tools, ensuring children like Ana and Marko have access to modern education.

Djokovic’s gesture also sparked a broader conversation in Serbia about supporting single-parent families. Local organizations reported a surge in donations inspired by the tennis star’s example, with many calling it a “Djokovic effect.” Fans on social media platforms like X praised his humility, with one user writing, “Novak proves he’s a champion off the court too. This is what true greatness looks like.”

As Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open, his legacy grows not just through trophies but through lives changed. For Carla, Ana, and Marko, his kindness was more than a gesture—it was a game-changer, proving that even the smallest act from a big heart can rewrite someone’s story.