GOOD NEWS: The Serbia Relief Fund has confirmed that Novak Djokovic has quietly and secretly donated a large portion of his advertising revenue and tournament winnings to support homeless veterans, earning him the admiration and praise of the tennis world across Serbia.
In a world where celebrities often turn to social media to publicize their charitable efforts, Novak Djokovic has done the opposite: he has opted for silence, discretion, and humility. The Serbia Relief Fund recently revealed that Djokovic had quietly donated a significant portion of his tournament winnings and advertising revenue to programs helping homeless veterans in Serbia. This revelation has sparked an outpouring of praise, not only from the Serbian public, but also from fans and tennis executives around the world.
According to sources close to the Relief Fund, Djokovic’s donations have amounted to several million euros over the past two years. This money has gone directly to initiatives aimed at providing emergency accommodation, food, vocational training, and psychological support to veterans long forgotten by the system. Many of these men and women, once defenders of the nation, now live in extreme poverty. Djokovic, deeply moved by their stories, has chosen to act discreetly.
An official statement from the Relief Fund for Serbia read: “Novak Djokovic’s contributions not only helped improve the lives of hundreds of our veterans, but also inspired hope. He refused any recognition. In fact, he initially asked us not to disclose his name. But we believe the nation has the right to know that one of its greatest sons is also one of its most unsung heroes.”
This isn’t the first time Djokovic has used his success to benefit others. Through his Novak Djokovic Foundation, the tennis icon has built schools, supported children’s education, and provided medical aid to disadvantaged communities. But this new initiative goes even deeper, tackling a serious and rarely discussed social crisis in the Balkans: the lack of care for those who served after the war.
What makes this act even more powerful is the timing. Djokovic, still competing at the highest level and recently recovered from injuries, has shown the world that his values extend far beyond tennis courts and trophies. According to reports, the idea for this veteran-focused initiative was born after Djokovic met a homeless veteran outside a Belgrade sports complex during a late-night practice in 2023. The man reportedly asked for nothing more than a handshake. Djokovic invited him to a hot meal, and that conversation changed everything.
From then on, Djokovic began anonymously contacting veteran support organizations, asking what could be done. He learned that many shelters were underfunded, understaffed, and, most critically, understaffed. He set out to change that. Today, thanks to his donations, three new shelters have opened in Serbia—in Novi Sad, Niš, and Belgrade—offering additional mental health support and vocational training programs.
The often polarized and competitive tennis world appears united in the face of Djokovic’s actions. Former rivals and current stars, including Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, have expressed their admiration on social media. “This is what true greatness looks like,” Nadal wrote. “On and off the court, Novak is a leader.”
In Serbia, citizens view Djokovic not only as a champion, but also as a patriot and protector. In local newspapers and on television, testimonies of veterans who have reconnected with their families, recovered from trauma, and re-entered the workforce with his help are beginning to emerge.
Mihajlo, a 51-year-old veteran who had been living on the streets of Belgrade for nearly a decade, burst into tears when asked about Djokovic’s support. “I never thought anyone cared. When they told me who funded the shelter I was in, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Knowing that someone like Novak sees us, appreciates us… it gave me a second life.”
The Relief Fund for Serbia launched a campaign encouraging others in the country, including public figures and businesses, to follow Djokovic’s example. They named the new housing centers “Nole Homes” in his honor, a tribute he reportedly asked them not to honor.
Despite all the attention, Djokovic remained silent, as usual. He didn’t issue a press release or make any personal statements on the matter. Those close to him say this is exactly what he wanted. He didn’t do it to make headlines. He did it because it was the right thing to do.
At a time when so many people are chasing the spotlight and applause, Novak Djokovic reminds us that true greatness often comes from the shadows. And sometimes, the most resounding victories come far from center court.
