The Novak Djokovic Tennis superstar has always been known for its humility and its deep attachment to its Belgradoise roots. However, even his most faithful fans were surprised to learn touching reunions that took place recently, when Djokovic returned to his former Belgrade high school for a special evening in his honor.
It was on a sunny afternoon that Novak, now a global icon and a successful entrepreneur, decided to visit the rooms where his career had started. The school management had invited him to the event, and the students were delighted, hoping to see the legend of tennis.
While Djokovic traversed the familiar corridors, the memories of his youth returned to him. He stopped at the gymnasium, smiled at the trophies and greeted the teachers, who still remembered the young man, energetic and ambitious. But at the bend of a corridor near the gymnasium, he saw someone whom he had not seen for decades: Mr. John, the concierge of the school.
Mr. John was an essential character in school, known for his friendly smile and his nice words for each student. He had worked there since long before Novak was a student, and to the latter’s surprise, he still pushed his cart, washed the ground and hummed an old chorus.
“Mr. John? “Cried Novak, his warm voice resonating in the corridor.
The old concierge looked up, his eyes widened with recognition. “Novak? Is it really you? He asked, a smile lightening his chiseling face.
Novak approached him and hugged him, lifting him under the amazed gaze of students and staff. “I can’t believe you are still there, sir,” said Novak. “You have always been there for us. You have always worked hard. »»
Mr. John laughs slowly. “Someone has to keep these corridors clean. And then the children keep me young. »»
Novak was affected by the dedication of the concierge. During their conversation, Novak learned that Mr. John, now 79, continued to work full time to support his family and pay for his wife’s medical expenses.
The conversation deeply shocked Novak. After the incident, he discreetly asked the director more details on Mr. John’s situation. Learning the scale of the concierge’s difficulties, Novak decided to act.
The following week, Novak returned to school, this time with cameras and some friends. The administration brought together everyone in the auditorium for what it thought was a motivational conference, but Novak had other projects. He raised Mr. John on stage and told the students how the concierge had counted for him and for many others.
“He taught me the value of work and kindness,” said Novak, the voice charged with emotion. “He has always been there for us, so now, it’s our turn to be there for him. »»
Then, at the general amazement, Novak gave Mr. John a check significant enough to cover the medical expenses of his wife and allow him to take a comfortable retirement. The room broke out in applause, and Mr. John, overwhelmed by emotion, wiped his tears by tightening Novak in his arms.
But Novak did not stop there. He also ensured that the school dedicates a bench in the courtyard to Mr. John, with the inscription: “To Mr. John, who maintained these light corridors and our hearts full of life. »»
Novak’s news quickly spread, inspiring the whole world. For Novak Djokovic, it was just another way of gesturing his gratitude to those who marked his life. And for Mr. John.It was a reminder that kindness, as small as it may be, can be transmitted from generation to generation and sometimes come back in the most unexpected way.
