GOOD NEWS: The Serbia Relief Fund has confirmed that Novak Djokovic has quietly and secretly donated a huge amount of his advertising revenue and tournament winnings to support homeless veterans, earning him admiration and praise from the tennis world across Serbia.

In a world where celebrities often take to social media to broadcast their charitable deeds, Novak Djokovic has done the opposite—opting for silence, discretion, and humility. The Serbia Relief Fund recently revealed that Djokovic has been quietly donating a significant portion of his tournament winnings and advertising revenue to programs aimed at helping homeless veterans across Serbia. The revelation has sparked an outpouring of praise not only from the Serbian public but from fans and tennis officials worldwide.

According to sources close to the Relief Fund, Djokovic’s donations have amounted to several million euros over the past two years. The money has gone directly toward initiatives that provide emergency housing, food, job training, and psychological support for veterans who have long been forgotten by the system. Many of these men and women, once defenders of the nation, now live in dire poverty. Djokovic, deeply moved by their stories, chose to act without fanfare.

An official statement from the Serbia Relief Fund reads: “Novak Djokovic’s contributions have not only helped improve the lives of hundreds of our veterans but have inspired hope. He did not want recognition. In fact, he asked us not to disclose his name initially. But we believe the nation has a right to know that one of its greatest sons is also one of its quietest heroes.”

This is not the first time Djokovic has used his success for the betterment of others. Through his Novak Djokovic Foundation, the tennis icon has built schools, supported childhood education, and provided medical aid for disadvantaged communities. But this new effort hits even deeper, touching on a rarely discussed but serious social crisis in the Balkans—the post-war neglect of those who served.

What makes this act even more powerful is the timing. Djokovic, still competing at the highest level and recently recovering from injuries, has shown the world that his values extend far beyond tennis courts and trophies. Insiders say the idea for this veteran-focused initiative came after Djokovic met a homeless veteran outside a sports complex in Belgrade during a late-night training session in 2023. The man reportedly asked for nothing but a handshake. Djokovic invited him for a warm meal, and that conversation changed everything.

From that moment, Djokovic began reaching out to veteran support organizations anonymously, asking what could be done. He learned that many of the shelters were underfunded, understaffed, and, most devastatingly, ignored. He vowed to change that. Now, thanks to his donations, three new housing centers have opened across Serbia—in Novi Sad, Niš, and Belgrade—with additional mental health support and skills training programs.

The tennis world, often polarized and competitive, seems unified in their response to Djokovic’s actions. Former rivals and current stars, including Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, took to social media to express admiration. “This is what real greatness looks like,” Nadal wrote. “On and off the court, Novak leads.”

In Serbia, citizens have begun referring to Djokovic not only as a champion, but as a patriot and protector. Across local newspapers and television programs, stories of veterans reconnecting with their families, recovering from trauma, and reentering the workforce thanks to his help have begun to emerge.

One veteran, Mihajlo, 51, who had been living on the streets of Belgrade for almost a decade, broke down in tears when asked about Djokovic’s support. “I never thought anyone cared. When they told me who had funded the shelter I was in, I couldn’t believe it. To know someone like Novak sees us, values us… it gave me my life back.”

The Serbia Relief Fund has now launched a campaign encouraging others in the country—especially public figures and businesses—to follow Djokovic’s example. They’ve named the new housing centers “Nole Homes” in his honor, a tribute he reportedly asked them not to do.

Despite all the attention, Djokovic has remained characteristically silent. He has issued no press release and made no personal statement about the matter. Those close to him say that’s exactly how he wanted it. He didn’t do this for headlines. He did it because it was right.

In a time when so many chase spotlight and applause, Novak Djokovic has reminded us that true greatness often happens when no one is watching. And sometimes, the most powerful victories take place far away from the center court.