The Superstar of Tennis Novak Djokovic has always been known for its humility and deep connection with its roots in Belgrade, Serbia. However, even his most faithful fans were surprised to learn about a moving encounter that took place recently when Djokovic returned to his former Institute in Belgrade for a special event for alumni.
It was a sunny afternoon when Novak, now a worldwide icon and successful businessman, decided to visit the halls where his career began. The school administration had invited him to the event, and the students were excited, hoping to see the legend of tennis.
While Djokovic walked through family halls, the memories of his youth assaulted him. He stopped next to the sports pavilion, smiled at the trophies and greeted the teachers, who still remembered the young, energetic and with great dreams. But when folding a corner near the gym, he saw someone whom he had not seen in decades: Mr. John, the janitor of the school.
Mr. John had been a fixed figure in school, known for his kind smile and always having a kind word for each student. He worked there from before Novak was a student, and for his astonishment, he continued to push his cart, cleaning the floors and humming an old melody.
“Mr. John?” NOVAK shouted, and his warm voice resonated down the hall.
The old man looked up, opening his eyes a lot when he recognized it. “Novak? Are you really?” He asked, with a smile spreading on his tanned face.
Novak approached and hugged him, lifting him from the ground while students and staff watched him with astonishment. “I can’t believe that I am still here, sir,” said Novak. “He was always there for us. Always working hard.”
Mr. John laughed between teeth: «Well, someone has to keep these corridors clean. In addition, children keep me young ».
Novak felt moved by the dedication of the janitor. While they talked, Novak learned that Mr. John, now 79, was still working full because he needed income to keep his family and pay his wife’s medical bills.
The conversation caused a great commotion to Novak. After the incident, he discreetly asked the director more details about the situation of Mr. John. Upon learning the magnitude of the difficulties of the janitor, Novak decided to do something special.
The following week, Novak returned to school, this time with cameras and some friends. The Administration gathered everyone in the auditorium for what they believed would be a motivational talk, but Novak had other plans. He called Mr. John to the stage and shared with the students how much the concierge had meant for him and many others.
“He taught me the value of hard work and kindness,” said Novak with the voice full of emotion. “He was always there for us, so now it’s up to us to be there.”
Then, to general astonishment, Novak gave Mr. John a check large enough to cover his wife’s medical expenses and allow him to retire comfortably. The room exploded in applause, and Mr. John, overwhelmed by emotion, dried the tears while hugging Novak.
But Novak didn’t stop there. He also ordered that the school dedicate a bank in the patio to Mr. John, with the registration: “To Mr. John, who kept these bright corridors and our hearts full of life.”
Novak’s news spread rapidly, inspiring people from all over the world. For Novak Djokovic, it was simply another way to give back the people who marked their lives. And for Mr. JohnIt was a reminder that goodness, however small, can be transmitted from generation to generation and, sometimes, return to you in the most unexpected ways.
