As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the red clay of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been navigating more than just his opponents on the court. During his second-round victory over France’s Corentin Moutet, a straight-sets triumph on Court Suzanne Lenglen, the absence of two key team members—physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic and fitness trainer Gebhard Gritsch—cast a shadow over the win. Amanovic, who is also Djokovic’s godfather, underwent emergency surgery due to complications from a prior sinus procedure, leaving the Serbian star and his camp deeply concerned. “We’re very concerned,” Djokovic said post-match, his voice heavy with emotion. “He had a serious issue and underwent a surgery. He is in stable condition currently, but will remain in hospital. Gritsch is with him.”
The medical emergency unfolded just before Djokovic’s match, adding an emotional layer to an already intense tournament. Amanovic, a long-standing pillar of Team Djokovic, suffered a severe nosebleed stemming from a sinus surgery performed weeks earlier, necessitating immediate hospital treatment. Despite the personal turmoil, Djokovic delivered a clinical performance, defeating Moutet 6-3, 6-4, 6-0, with 28 winners and a 78% first-serve point win rate. “It’s not easy to focus when someone so close to you is going through this,” he admitted, revealing the challenge of compartmentalizing during the match. The absence of Amanovic, who has been by Djokovic’s side through triumphs and trials, including a near-fatal heart attack in 2017, underscored the depth of their bond. “Miljan is one of the closest people in my life,” Djokovic said, reflecting on their relationship that extends beyond the court.
Amanovic’s history with health challenges adds poignancy to the situation. In 2017, he survived a heart attack that required four resuscitations, an ordeal he described as a miracle. “I was resuscitated four times,” Amanovic recalled in a 2023 biography on Djokovic. “If only one link in the chain of events had not been in place that day, I would probably have left this earthly life.” Now, as he recovers in a Paris hospital, expected to be discharged in the coming days, the tennis community has rallied around him. Gritsch, who remained by Amanovic’s side, exemplifies the tight-knit nature of Djokovic’s team, which has been instrumental in his record-breaking career.
Djokovic’s resilience in the face of this distraction mirrors his on-court tenacity. The 37-year-old, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, has faced a challenging 2025, with a 14-5 record and no titles so far. His French Open campaign, marked by a 3:06 a.m. finish against Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, has tested his endurance. Yet, his focus remains sharp, driven by a desire to compete at the highest level. “My love for this sport is strong, and the desire to compete is what keeps me going,” Djokovic said, a sentiment echoed in his recovery from a meniscus tear surgery in 2024 that saw him reach the Wimbledon final just 37 days later.
The absence of Amanovic and Gritsch from the player’s box was particularly striking given their roles in Djokovic’s physical preparation. Amanovic, who stepped back from full-time travel in 2024 to focus on family and the Novak Djokovic Academy in Belgrade, returned to support Djokovic at Roland Garros. His sudden hospitalization disrupted the team’s rhythm, but Djokovic remains optimistic about his recovery. “He’s in stable condition, and we’re all hoping he’ll be back soon,” he said, offering a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty. The tennis world, accustomed to Djokovic’s defiance of odds, is equally hopeful, with fans and players like Coco Gauff sending supportive messages.
As Djokovic prepares for his next match, likely against a formidable opponent like Alexander Zverev or Casper Ruud, the emotional weight of Amanovic’s health battle lingers. The Serbian’s ability to channel adversity into performance has defined his career, from overcoming a 2017 elbow surgery to battling through a 2024 knee injury. With the Paris Olympics looming, where Djokovic aims for an elusive gold medal, Amanovic’s recovery will be crucial. For now, the tennis maestro continues to fight, both for victories on the clay and for the well-being of a cherished team member, proving that his strength extends far beyond the baseline.
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