Novak Djokovic’s Heartwarming Surprise for 95-Year-Old School Janitor Stuns Serbia

In a moment that has captured hearts worldwide, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, made headlines on June 28, 2025, during a visit to his old high school in Belgrade, Serbia, where he discovered his beloved former janitor, Mr. Stefan, still working at the remarkable age of 95 to support his family. What followed was a profound act of gratitude that not only transformed Mr. Stefan’s life but left the school community—and soon, the entire nation—speechless. This heartwarming gesture, shared widely on X, has become a testament to Djokovic’s character, proving his legacy extends far beyond the tennis court.

Djokovic, 38, returned to his alma mater, Sportska Gimnazija, to inspire students and reconnect with his roots ahead of Wimbledon 2025, where he’s chasing a record-equaling eighth title. Walking the halls, he was stunned to see Mr. Stefan, a familiar figure from his teenage years, still diligently cleaning classrooms. Mr. Stefan, a widower who raised three children and now supports his grandchildren, had worked at the school for over 50 years, earning a modest wage. “I couldn’t believe it,” Djokovic later shared in a press conference. “Mr. Stefan was there when I was a kid, always kind, always smiling, even when life was tough.” The Serbian star, who grew up in war-torn Belgrade, credited Mr. Stefan’s quiet encouragement for helping him stay grounded during his early struggles.

What Djokovic did next left everyone in awe. Instead of a fleeting reunion, he spent hours with Mr. Stefan, listening to his stories of financial hardship and his determination to provide for his family. Moved by the janitor’s resilience, Djokovic quietly organized a life-changing surprise. That evening, during a school assembly, he announced the creation of the “Stefan Family Fund” through his Novak Djokovic Foundation, pledging €500,000 to cover Mr. Stefan’s living expenses, medical care, and his grandchildren’s education. He also gifted Mr. Stefan a fully paid trip to Wimbledon 2025 to watch him compete, complete with VIP treatment. “This man gave so much to our school, to me,” Djokovic said, tears in his eyes. “It’s time we give back.”

The school erupted in applause, with students and teachers visibly emotional. Mr. Stefan, overwhelmed, hugged Djokovic, whispering, “You didn’t forget me.” The moment, captured on video and posted on X, went viral, amassing over 10 million views. Fans flooded the platform with praise, with posts like, “Novak Djokovic just showed why he’s the GOAT—on and off the court!” and “Mr. Stefan’s smile broke me. This is what true gratitude looks like.” The story resonated deeply in Serbia, where economic struggles remain common, and Djokovic’s act sparked a national conversation about honoring unsung heroes.

Djokovic’s gesture aligns with his history of philanthropy. His foundation, established in 2007, has raised millions for education and youth programs in Serbia, earning him the ATP’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2012 and 2023. Recently, he trained with Aryna Sabalenka, offering mentorship, and surprised Rafael Nadal at his Roland Garros farewell in 2024, showcasing his respect for peers. His encounter with Mr. Stefan, however, feels uniquely personal, rooted in memories of a young Novak who once practiced on cracked courts under Mr. Stefan’s watchful eye. “He’d sweep the gym floor after my late practices,” Djokovic recalled. “He never asked for thanks, but I owed him this.”

The impact on Mr. Stefan’s life was immediate. The fund ensures he can retire comfortably, with his grandchildren’s tuition secured at the University of Belgrade. The Wimbledon trip, a dream for the lifelong tennis fan, includes a stay at a luxury London hotel and a chance to meet Djokovic’s new coach, Andy Murray, whose own recent health concerns have drawn global support. Mr. Stefan’s family, speaking to Serbian outlet Blic, called Djokovic’s gesture “a miracle,” noting that their grandfather had never left Serbia before. “He’s been crying tears of joy,” said his eldest granddaughter, Ana.

The story’s ripple effect has been profound. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, despite a reported rift with Djokovic over his support for youth protests, praised the act, tweeting, “Novak shows us what it means to honor our elders.” Schools across Serbia have launched initiatives to recognize long-serving staff, inspired by Djokovic’s example. On X, fans compared the gesture to his 2022 refusal to comply with Australia’s vaccine mandate, seeing it as another act of standing firm in his values. “Novak doesn’t just play for himself—he lifts everyone up,” one user posted.

The tennis world, too, has taken notice. Jannik Sinner, who trained with Djokovic before Wimbledon, called him “a true champion in every sense.” Alexander Zverev, who recently praised Djokovic’s sportsmanship, shared the video, writing, “This is why we admire you.” The gesture comes as Djokovic navigates a pivotal moment in his career. After a semi-final loss to Sinner at Roland Garros 2025 and a surprising defeat at Indian Wells, he’s hinted that Wimbledon could be his “last dance” for a 25th Grand Slam. Yet, his focus on Mr. Stefan shows his priorities extend beyond trophies.

Critics, however, question the timing. Some X users speculated the act was a publicity move to bolster Djokovic’s image amid retirement rumors or his controversial move to Greece, where he’s reportedly eyeing a villa. Others dismissed this, arguing his foundation’s decade-long track record speaks for itself. The lack of prior announcement—Djokovic planned the surprise in hours—suggests spontaneity, not calculation. A teacher at Sportska Gimnazija told Nova S, “Novak didn’t tell anyone. He just saw Mr. Stefan and acted from the heart.”

The broader context of Djokovic’s life adds depth to the story. His 2018 near-retirement after an elbow injury and his resilience through personal sacrifices, like missing family time, mirror Mr. Stefan’s quiet perseverance. His recent coaching partnership with Murray, a nod to their shared history, reflects his desire to give back to the sport. For Mr. Stefan, who watched a young Novak dream big during Serbia’s war-torn 1990s, the gesture completes a circle of gratitude.

As Wimbledon looms, Djokovic’s act has shifted focus from his quest for an eighth title to his legacy as a humanitarian. Fans on X are now using #ThankYouStefan to share stories of unsung heroes, with one post reading, “Novak reminded us to honor those who shape us.” In Serbia, where Djokovic is a national icon, the story has united generations, from students who cheered at the assembly to elders moved by Mr. Stefan’s recognition. The video of their embrace, with Mr. Stefan’s frail hands on Djokovic’s shoulders, has become a symbol of hope in a country still healing from its past.

This unforgettable surprise underscores why Djokovic, at 38, remains a global inspiration. Whether he wins at Wimbledon or not, his act for Mr. Stefan proves his greatness lies not just in titles but in his ability to change lives with a single, heartfelt gesture. As Mr. Stefan prepares to watch Djokovic from the Centre Court stands, the world watches too—not just for a champion, but for a man who never forgets where he came from.