Novak Djokovic, the world‑class tennis star, tipped the scales in Serbia’s covid crisis by handing over €1 million to hospitals. The cash flew straight into the hands of medical teams, who used it to purchase 17 ventilators, 54 clinical monitors and two high‑quality CT scanners.
The moment of truth came when the Djokovic Foundation identified exactly what the hospitals needed. In March 2020, as the pandemic hit peak intensity, the couple’s donation was turned around in less than a month, delivering lifesaving gear to facilities across the country.
That first €1 million sparked a domino effect. Corporate partners and individual supporters poured in an additional US$200,000, pushing total relief over €1.2 million. The foundation’s 2020 review lists 100,000 health packages for first‑graders and a €40,000 contribution to the General Hospital in Novi Pazar.
Djokovic didn’t just hand the money; he voiced the responsibility of athletes. “I am very proud to be an athlete in these times… to bring hope, community, and inspire others,” he told reporters, echoing a growing trend of sports stars turning public platforms into lifelines.
Beyond the immediate relief, the donation cemented the foundation’s shift from purely educational work to urgent healthcare support, while still planning to reopen its 13th School of Life in Ljukovo. The pandemic reshaped its operations but not its mission.
As lockdowns ease, Djokovic’s foundation will refocus on continuing education programs, ensuring that children who waited for preschool slots now have a place to learn and grow.