On a sunny Friday morning in New Belgrade, the sound of tennis balls hitting the court mixed with cheers from a crowd of fans, children, and local dignitaries. The reason? None other than Novak Djokovic, widely considered the greatest tennis player in history, officially inaugurated a brand-new tennis court that bears his commitment not only to the sport but to the development of future Serbian champions.

The opening ceremony was both heartfelt and celebratory, marking a major milestone in Djokovic’s efforts to give back to the community that raised him. “This is where my journey began,” he said during his speech. “And I want every child who dreams of becoming a tennis player to know they have a place to begin, too.”

A Court with a Purpose

The new facility, located near Block 70 in New Belgrade, is more than just a tennis court—it’s part of a larger project by the Novak Djokovic Foundation, aimed at providing safe, accessible sports infrastructure for young people in Serbia.

“This court is a symbol,” said Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s wife and co-founder of the Foundation. “It’s about creating opportunities for children, especially those who don’t have access to proper training facilities. Sports can change lives. We’ve seen it firsthand.”

Equipped with professional-grade surfaces, lighting for evening training, and nearby locker and rest areas, the court is designed to accommodate both recreational play and formal coaching sessions. There are also plans for youth training programs and partnerships with local schools to provide free tennis lessons to underprivileged kids.

A Star Among the Crowd

Despite his global fame, Djokovic was humble and personal throughout the event. He spent time speaking with young athletes, posing for photos, and even played a brief exhibition match with a group of junior players—eliciting loud cheers when he deliberately lost a point to an enthusiastic 9-year-old opponent.

“You can tell he really cares,” said Milica, a local parent whose daughter attended the event. “He didn’t just cut a ribbon and leave. He stayed, he talked to the kids, and he listened.”

More Than Just Tennis

While Djokovic’s athletic achievements—24 Grand Slam titles, record-breaking weeks at world No. 1, and countless victories—are well documented, his philanthropic work often flies under the radar. Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, he has helped build schools, fund educational programs, and promote early childhood development across Serbia and beyond.

This latest project shows a continued dedication to grassroots development. “I believe in giving children the tools they need to succeed,” Djokovic said. “Whether it’s a classroom, a tennis racket, or simply encouragement—those small things can lead to great achievements.”

Messages from the Tennis World

The global tennis community reacted warmly to the news of the court’s opening. Former rivals and current stars including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray sent congratulatory messages via video, some of which were played during the ceremony.

In his message, Federer said, “Novak has always been passionate about supporting the next generation. This initiative is another example of his leadership off the court.”

Looking Ahead

The court’s opening is only the beginning. According to Foundation officials, more community courts are planned in other Serbian cities, with a long-term goal of establishing a national youth tennis circuit fully sponsored by private donations and corporate partners.

The Serbian Tennis Association also announced its support, stating it will integrate the new court into its junior development programs and potentially use it as a training site for national team prospects.

“This is not just a local event,” said Marko Tomašević, a representative from the Association. “This is an investment in the future of Serbian tennis.”

Final Words

As the ceremony drew to a close, Djokovic shared one last message with the children gathered around him: “I stood where you’re standing now. I had big dreams and a small racket. But with support, practice, and belief—dreams can come true.”

With that, Novak Djokovic—champion, philanthropist, and proud son of Belgrade—walked off the court, leaving behind not only his footprints on the clay, but a lasting legacy in the hearts of the next generation.