On June 12, the world was struck with heartbreak as news broke of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. The flight, which had departed from London Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes before its scheduled landing, claiming the lives of all passengers on board. Among those lost was 38-year-old Pratik Joshi — a highly respected software engineer who had been working in London since 2019 — along with his wife Priya and their three young children.

The Joshi family, remembered for their warmth, brilliance, and deep love for each other, had traveled to reconnect with relatives in Gujarat. Their sudden and devastating loss sent waves of grief across both India and the global Indian diaspora. But from this unimaginable tragedy, an unexpected act of compassion emerged — and it came from the world of tennis.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion known not only for his dominance on the court but also for his humanitarian work off of it, was reportedly moved to tears upon hearing about the crash and learning the story of the Joshi family. According to sources close to Djokovic, what caught his attention was a small but powerful detail: Pratik Joshi was an avid tennis fan and a self-taught golf enthusiast. Friends said he often joked that “Djokovic’s discipline and Tiger’s focus” were the two qualities he aspired to in both life and work.

Deeply affected by this connection, Djokovic decided to act in a way that no one expected — and the world will never forget.

Within 48 hours of learning about the crash, Djokovic’s team contacted Indian authorities and members of the Joshi extended family to express condolences and offer support. But that was just the beginning.

Djokovic then announced the creation of the “Pratik Joshi Foundation for Education & Sport”, a cross-border initiative designed to provide scholarships and mentorship for Indian youth who aspire to pursue careers in technology, sports, and leadership — three things that defined Pratik’s legacy. The foundation will also fund community-based tennis and golf programs in both India and the UK, introducing underprivileged children to the sports that brought Pratik so much joy.

In a rare personal video statement shared on his official social media channels, Djokovic said:

“I may never have met Pratik Joshi, but I feel like I know him through the life he lived and the passions he had. As an athlete and as a father, I was deeply moved. Sometimes, tragedy reminds us of our shared humanity. I hope this foundation honors not only his legacy but the dreams he left behind.”

The reaction to Djokovic’s gesture has been overwhelming. Indian media outlets hailed him as a global ambassador of empathy, with one editorial calling his act “a masterclass in humanity from a champion of the world.” Golfers and tennis fans alike took to social media to praise his initiative, with hashtags like #ThankYouDjokovic and #PratikJoshiLegacy trending globally.

Back in Gujarat, the Joshi family’s surviving relatives issued a heartfelt statement:

“We grew up hearing the name Novak Djokovic in our household. Pratik admired him deeply — not just for tennis, but for his strength and humility. What Novak has done for our family and for others like us is something we will never forget.”

As the world continues to grieve this tragic loss, Novak Djokovic has reminded us that greatness is not just measured by trophies, but by compassion. He didn’t just serve in honor of a fallen fan — he returned hope to a grieving world.

From tragedy to hero, Novak Djokovic has once again shown why he’s not only a champion in sport — but also in spirit.