In a heartfelt tribute to his hometown and a testament to his commitment to giving back, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend and 24-time Grand Slam champion, recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art tennis court in Belgrade. The vibrant, newly renovated court, unveiled in a lively ceremony on May 14, 2025, stands as a beacon of opportunity for young athletes in Serbia’s capital. This ambitious project, realized through a collaboration between the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Lacoste, and We Are Etendart, aims to make tennis accessible to children, particularly those from underserved communities, while celebrating Djokovic’s extraordinary career. The event, marked by joy and community spirit, saw Djokovic rallying with local children, embodying his vision of inspiring the next generation through sport.
The newly designed court, located in New Belgrade, is more than just a playing surface; it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity. Adorned with a unique design that pays homage to Djokovic’s illustrious career—boasting 99 tour-level titles, a record 428 weeks as world No. 1, and an Olympic gold medal—the court is set to become a hub for both tennis and education. Operated by the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which Djokovic co-founded with his wife, Jelena, the facility will integrate sports with early childhood education programs aimed at combating educational inequality. “I am super pleased that we are able to offer this to this city and this part of the town that has a lot of families and children that are excited to try their luck with tennis,” Djokovic said during the inauguration, his voice brimming with pride as he interacted with enthusiastic young players.
Djokovic’s journey from a war-torn Belgrade to global tennis stardom is a story of resilience and determination. Born in 1987, he began playing tennis at age four, honing his skills under challenging circumstances, including practicing on makeshift courts during the 1999 NATO bombings. His success, including a record 10 Australian Open titles and a triple Career Grand Slam, has made him a national hero and a global ambassador for Serbia. This project reflects his deep connection to his roots, as Belgrade, a city that shaped his early years, now benefits from his legacy. “My greatest wish is for the children to feel completely free, happy, themselves,” Djokovic shared, emphasizing the joy of seeing kids embrace sports and the outdoors. His words resonated with the crowd, who cheered as he hit balls with aspiring players, many of whom dream of following in his footsteps.
The collaboration with Lacoste and We Are Etendart underscores a shared commitment to expanding youth access to tennis. This initiative is part of a broader global effort launched in 2020, which has seen similar courts established in cities like São Paulo, New York, and Grasse. In Belgrade, the project holds special significance, honoring Djokovic’s unparalleled achievements while addressing local needs. The Novak Djokovic Foundation has already made significant strides, having built or refurbished 73 schools and supported thousands of children across Serbia. By integrating tennis with educational programs, the foundation aims to empower young people holistically, fostering both athletic and academic growth.
The inauguration was a festive occasion, with local families, children, and community members gathering to celebrate. Posts on social media captured the excitement, with images of Djokovic surrounded by smiling kids, rackets in hand, flooding platforms like X. The event highlighted the court’s potential as a community hub, where children can develop skills, build confidence, and find joy in sport. “Celebrating Novak, inspiring Belgrade,” one post read, encapsulating the sentiment of pride and possibility that permeated the day.
This project also comes at a pivotal moment in Djokovic’s career. At 37, he continues to compete at the highest level, recently reaching the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and supporting younger Serbian players like Hamad Medjedovic at the Belgrade Open. While he has hinted that events like the ATP Finals are no longer his priority, his passion for tennis and his homeland remains undimmed. The Belgrade court is a legacy project, ensuring that his impact endures beyond his playing days. As Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, recently announced plans for a Djokovic museum in Belgrade, the tennis star’s influence as a cultural and sporting icon continues to grow.
For the children of Belgrade, this court represents more than a place to play—it’s a chance to dream big. Djokovic’s own story, from a young boy hitting balls in a war-torn city to becoming the world’s greatest tennis player, serves as a powerful inspiration. “As an athlete, there is no greater joy for me than seeing many children doing sports and being outdoors,” he said, his words echoing his lifelong belief in the transformative power of sport. As the court opens its doors to young players, it stands as a testament to Djokovic’s enduring commitment to his community, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and opportunities to chase their own dreams.
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