Montecarlo, April 2025– The world of tennis celebrated the expected victory ofNovak DjokovicIn the prestigiousMonte-Carlo Masters, but what really left the public without words was not their domain on the track … but thedeeply human gestureError 500 (Server Error)!!1500.That’s an error.There was an error. Please try again later.That’s all we know.
In the midst of the flashes, the interviews and the ovation of the public, Djokovic turned away from the official celebrations and walked directly to the stands, where a80 -year -old woman“Pequeña, with gray hair, wrapped in a scarf with Serbia’s flag,” he watched him with tears in his eyes. His name isCame Emilia Petrovic, a woman who worked for more than 30 years as a domestic employee at the Djokovic family house in Belgrade.
According to sources close to the tennis player, Mrs. Emilia wasLike a grandmotherFor Novak during your childhood. “He prepared breakfast every day, sewed his broken pants when he returned from playing tennis, and even told stories when he was afraid of storms,” recalls Milica, a family friend.
Upon learning that Djokovic would play the final in Montecarlo, Emilia, who now lives in an elderly residence, insisted on traveling to see him play, for the first timeas a spectator and not as a caregiver. It was Djokovic who personally organized his transfer by private plane from Serbia and reserved the best seat in the stadium, along with his family.
After winning the last point against Carlos Alcaraz with an impeccable cross right, Djokovic did not launch his racket or knelt as usual. Instead, he ran to the edge of the track, climbed the stands and hugged Emilia, melting with her in a silent cry that moved to security personnel.
“This victory is for you”, He whispered in his ear.” Without your love, your patience and your stories, I would not be here today. “
The moment was captured by the cameras and went viral in seconds. Social networks exploded with messages such as“Djokovic is not only a champion, he is an extraordinary human being”y“This is worth more than any Grand Slam!”
But the story did not end there. In the subsequent press conference, Djokovic made another announcement that left the world with his mouth open: he had decideddonate the economic awardof the tournament – more than800.000 euros– To create a foundation with the name of Emilia Petrović, aimed at helping older women in vulnerability in Balkans.
“My country is full of Emilias. Invisible women who gave everything without asking for anything in return. It’s time to return something to them,” he said excitedly.
The Foundation, which will begin its autumn operations, will offer decent housing, access to medical care, emotional support and workshops for women over 65 years.
Although some critics claimed that Djokovic was in decline after 2024 without important titles, this victory – the number 41 in Masters 1000 – not only shows that it is still fit, but also writing adifferent chapterIn his legacy: that of asilent heroOut of the clues.
Sports experts already qualify this Mount-Carlo Masters as one of the most emotional moments in the history of modern tennis.
“Novak Djokovic has changed. He no longer plays to win, he plays to inspire,”The Italian sports journalist Lara Romano commented.
Y quizás tenga razón. Because while Montecarlo’s trophy shines in a showcase, the real gold is in the heart of those who witnessed the eternal hug between a champion and the woman who believed in him from the beginning.
