In a partnership between Lacoste and the Novak Djokovic Foundation, a tennis court in Belgrade was inaugurated with the hopes of celebrating the legacy of one of the tennis elites. It is dedicated to further inspiring young players to pursue their tennis dreams while also providing charity work at the highest level in Djokovic’s hometown of Belgrade.

Sitting at the heart of the native city, the court pays tribute to Djokovic’s career highlights and will be operated by the entire foundation as part of its educational program. The elite tennis star himself was present at the inauguration and spent time with local children on the tennis court.

The special design of the court has the approval of Djokovic. This court by the foundation is one of the few steps they are taking in leading the way to combat educational inequality in the country. For what it is worth, Djokovic’s legacy in Serbia is showing up indeed to be a promising look at this point, and it is an inspiring one.

A Court With Bigger Purpose

The facility, located in the historic Dorćol district, had been temporarily closed following Djokovic’s decision to return the land to the city in May 2023. Now, under his personal stewardship, it has been revitalized to serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.

The facility, now known as the Novak Djokovic Tennis Center, boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple clay courts, a modern gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for physical therapy and sports science. These upgrades aim to provide young athletes with the tools they need to excel both physically and mentally.

“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,” said Djokovic, who attended the event and rallied with local children on the court. “My greatest wish is for the children to feel completely free, happy, themselves. As an athlete, there is no greater joy for me than seeing many children doing sports and being outdoors.”

Djokovic is already a legendary player in tennis, and he is definitely making a bigger legacy with his impact on his country.

Working for Bigger Goals than the Sport

The court is part of a broader initiative that includes similar projects in cities like Clichy, São Paulo, New York, and Grasse. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to expanding youth access to tennis and promoting physical activity among young people worldwide.

The Novak Djokovic Foundation, co-founded by Djokovic and his wife Jelena, has been instrumental in supporting educational initiatives in Serbia, including the construction and refurbishment of schools. This new court further underscores their dedication to fostering community development and providing opportunities for the youth.

“This center is not just about training; it’s about building a community,” Djokovic said about the tennis court. “A community that supports, encourages, and believes in each other.”

With this initiative, Djokovic continues to leverage his platform to make a positive impact, combining his passion for tennis with a commitment to social responsibility. The Belgrade court stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his dedication to nurturing the talents of future generations.

Djokovic is slated to play straight in the Geneva Open and is likely headed towards bigger heights in the coming clay tournaments, especially the upcoming Roland Garros.