On April 14, 2025, shortly after the Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar, showed once again that his heart is as big as his talent on the court. The 37-year-old, who recently suffered a disappointing loss to Alejandro Tabilo in the second round of the tournament, walked through the streets of Monte Carlo after the match to clear his head. What happened next moved not only the local crowd but also fans around the world to tears and made headlines that went far beyond sports. Known for his 24 Grand Slam titles and his records, Djokovic proved once again that he is not only a champion in tennis, but also in life.
While strolling through the picturesque town that has been his adopted home for years, Djokovic came across two homeless sisters, Ana and Marija, sitting by the side of the road. The two young women, who according to eyewitnesses were in their early 20s, were holding a small sign that read: “Please help us, we are hungry.” Djokovic, wearing a hoodie and baseball cap to avoid immediate recognition, stopped when he saw the sisters. Instead of simply walking away, as many might have done in such a situation, the tennis star sat down with them on the curb and struck up a conversation. Eyewitnesses reported that Djokovic approached the sisters in a friendly manner and asked them about their story.
Ana and Marija told him they had lost their home a year ago after their parents died in a tragic car accident. Without family or support, they had ended up on the streets, struggling to survive every day. Djokovic listened intently as the sisters spoke with tears in their eyes. “He was so patient and respectful,” said a passerby who witnessed the scene. “You could see that he was genuinely listening and interested in their story.” After hearing their story, Djokovic asked the sisters if they would like something to eat and invited them to a nearby café.
At the café, Djokovic ordered a hot meal for Ana and Marija and sat down with them to eat together. But that wasn’t all. During the meal, Djokovic pulled out his phone and called his wife Jelena, the head of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. He explained the situation and asked Jelena to organize immediate support for the sisters. Within hours, the foundation had found accommodation for Ana and Marija and promised them long-term support, including access to education and mental health care to help them get back on their feet. But what touched those present most was a small but incredibly emotional act by Djokovic.
Before leaving the café, Djokovic took off his hoodie and gave it to Marija, who was visibly cold. “It’s not much, but I want you to stay warm,” he said with a gentle smile. Marija, who accepted the hoodie with trembling hands, burst into tears, and Ana couldn’t contain her emotions either. The people in the café who had witnessed the scene were also moved to tears. Some began to clap, while others took photos that later went viral on social media platforms like X. One user wrote: “This is the Novak we love—a man with a huge heart. He not only helped the sisters, but showed us all what humanity means.”
Djokovic’s gesture and selfless act sparked a wave of admiration. Many fans and celebrities, including Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, praised the Serb for his generosity. Nadal wrote on Instagram: “You are a role model, Novak. Not only on the court, but also in life.” The media also covered the story extensively, and the Novak Djokovic Foundation used the opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness. Jelena Djokovic said in a statement: “We are proud to help Ana and Marija, and we hope this story inspires others to step up and help those in need.”
For Djokovic himself, meeting the sisters was a moment of reflection. In a later interview, he said: “Tennis gives me a lot, but true happiness lies in helping others. These sisters gave me more than I could give them—they taught me humility and gratitude.” The story of Djokovic and the homeless sisters shows that true greatness lies not only in sporting success, but also in the small, human gestures that make a difference in the lives of others. For Ana and Marija, Djokovic didn’t just donate a meal and a jacket—he gave them hope and a new chance at a better life.
