Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest athletes in sports history, was overcome with emotion after uncovering his late father Srdjan Djokovic’s will, revealing a deeply personal glimpse into the sacrifices and love that shaped his journey to greatness. The discovery, shared during an emotional interview on Sky Sports on May 22, 2025, left the 24-time Grand Slam champion in tears as he reflected on the hidden struggles his father endured to support his career. “I thought I knew him, but I didn’t,” Djokovic said, his voice trembling. “Reading his words was like meeting my father’s soul for the first time.”
The will, found unexpectedly while sorting through family documents in Belgrade, Serbia, contained handwritten notes from Srdjan, who passed away in 2023. Far more than a legal document, it was a testament to a father’s unwavering belief in his son’s potential, even during the darkest times. Srdjan detailed the financial hardships, personal sacrifices, and relentless determination that fueled the Djokovic family’s pursuit of Novak’s tennis dreams, often at great personal cost. “He wrote about nights he couldn’t sleep, worrying about how we’d afford my training,” Djokovic shared. “He sold everything he could, took loans, and never let me see the burden he carried.”
Djokovic, who has dominated tennis with an unmatched record, including a record-extending 10th Australian Open title in 2025, has often credited his parents for his success. Growing up in war-torn Serbia, the family faced immense challenges, including limited resources and a lack of infrastructure for nurturing a young athlete. Srdjan, a former skier and restaurateur, was a fierce advocate for his son, often clashing with media and tennis authorities to protect Novak’s interests. Yet, the will revealed a softer, more vulnerable side of Srdjan—a man grappling with doubts but driven by an unshakable love for his son.
“I never realized how much he sacrificed,” Djokovic said, visibly moved. “He wrote about believing in me when no one else did, about fighting for me even when I didn’t know I needed it. It’s humbling to see how much he gave up for me.” The notes also included Srdjan’s reflections on Novak’s resilience, expressing pride in his son’s ability to overcome adversity, from early career skepticism to high-profile controversies, such as his 2022 Australian Open visa saga.
The revelation has resonated deeply with fans, sparking an outpouring of support on platforms like X. One user wrote, “Djokovic’s story about his dad’s will is so moving. It shows the heart behind the champion.” The tennis star’s openness comes at a time when he has been increasingly reflective, balancing his career with his role as a father to Stefan and Tara. In a recent Tennis Channel interview, he spoke about the emotional weight of parenting, a perspective now deepened by his father’s words.
This discovery has also inspired Djokovic’s ongoing philanthropy through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which supports early childhood education in Serbia. “My father’s sacrifices were for me to have a chance,” he said at a recent charity event in Monte Carlo. “Now, I want to give that chance to others.” As he prepares for Wimbledon 2025, Djokovic carries his father’s legacy on and off the court, a reminder of the quiet strength behind his unparalleled success. This moment not only humanizes a sporting icon but also underscores the universal power of a parent’s love, forever etched in a few handwritten pages.
