Just hours after discovering an abandoned newborn baby, tennis player Novak Djokovic made a profound choice to turn grief into hope and give the child a new start.

PostedJune 20, 2025

In a world often consumed by trophies, titles, and fleeting fame, Novak Djokovic has just reminded the world what true greatness looks like — not on the tennis court, but in a quiet, life-altering moment far from the spotlight.

Just hours after discovering an abandoned newborn baby near a public park in Belgrade, Serbia, Djokovic made a decision that stunned even those closest to him. According to confirmed reports from local authorities and his own team, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is taking steps to personally care for and raise the child, transforming a moment of heartbreak into a powerful symbol of hope and humanity.

The emotional event unfolded earlier this week while Djokovic was enjoying a morning run near the Kalemegdan Park, a place he often visits when home in Serbia. It was there, near a quiet bench partially hidden by trees, that he reportedly heard faint cries. What he found next would stay with him forever.

Wrapped in a thin blanket and left in a cardboard box was a newborn infant, no more than a few hours old. Djokovic immediately called emergency services, stayed by the baby’s side, and carefully held the tiny child until help arrived. Paramedics later confirmed the child was cold, undernourished, but — miraculously — alive.

Witnesses described Djokovic as “deeply shaken” but completely focused on the infant’s safety. “He was holding the baby close to his chest, whispering and stroking the child’s head,” said one bystander. “He looked more like a father than a famous athlete.”

But the story didn’t end with a phone call or a hospital visit.

Within hours, Djokovic reportedly contacted local child services and inquired about adoption procedures, expressing his desire to take responsibility for the child’s future. Though Serbia’s legal process for adoption can be lengthy, sources say the tennis star is committed to doing whatever is necessary to become the child’s legal guardian.

In a brief but emotional statement released by his team, Djokovic said:

“This child came into my life unexpectedly, but not without purpose. In a world full of noise and chaos, I heard one cry — and it changed me. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know I cannot turn away.”

The revelation has sent shockwaves through the sports world and beyond, with fans and fellow athletes applauding Djokovic’s incredible gesture. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support, with many calling him a “champion of the heart” and “the greatest of all time — not for tennis, but for humanity.”

While Novak Djokovic has always been known for his discipline, strength, and resilience on the court, this moment has revealed an entirely different layer of the man behind the legend.

Close friends say the decision didn’t come as a surprise. “Novak has always had a deep connection to children and family,” said a childhood friend. “He’s done so much through his foundation to help kids across Serbia. But this… this is something different. This is personal.”

Indeed, Djokovic has long been active in philanthropic efforts through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, focusing on early childhood education and support for underprivileged children in the Balkans. But taking a child into his own home, in such a raw and emotional moment, is a step no one expected.

According to hospital staff at the Belgrade maternity center, the baby — now named Stefan Luka, a name Novak reportedly chose for its symbolism of strength and light — is recovering well and responding to care. He will remain in the hospital under observation for several more days.

Meanwhile, Novak has visited the child daily and is said to be setting up a private nursery in his home. Friends and family members have begun rallying around him, offering support for what many call “the most important match of his life.”

Djokovic’s wife, Jelena Djokovic, has not spoken publicly yet but is believed to be fully supportive. A source close to the family said, “This is who they are. Their hearts are open. If anyone can give this child a new life, it’s them.”

Legal experts note that while Djokovic’s celebrity status may help expedite some procedures, the adoption process in Serbia will still involve home assessments, counseling, and a formal court decision. Regardless, Novak is reportedly ready to pause parts of his training schedule to focus entirely on the transition.

“It’s not about winning another title right now,” he told a close confidant. “It’s about doing the right thing.”

As the tennis world prepares for the next Grand Slam, Djokovic is preparing for something even greater: fatherhood to a child who had no one — until he came along.

It’s a story that began in silence, with a single cry in the morning air. And now, thanks to one man’s extraordinary compassion, it’s becoming a powerful testament to what it means to be truly human.