Novak Djokovic may be at the center of a media storm at the Australian Open, but the Serbian champion still found time to deliver one of the tournament's healthiest moments.
The ten-time Australian Open champion experienced a touching surprise during an interview with Eurosport commentator and former Austrian tennis player Barbara Schett last week.
The surprise came from Jan Lastovika, a devoted fan who met Djokovic 20 years ago during his debut at the Australian Open.
Jan was joined by his wife and the couple wore t-shirts with a photo of Jan with 17-year-old Djokovic.
Djokovic had given the couple tickets to watch the match from the broadcast booth, an experience they described as unforgettable.
Jan Lastovika first encountered Djokovic during their qualifying matches two decades ago.
Novak Djokovic proudly wears the shirt made for him by his first Australian fan to celebrate 20 years of supporting the Serbian
Djokovic debuted at the Australian Open in 2005, losing in the first round to Marat Safin, who beat Lleyton Hewitt in the final.
At the time, Djokovic was only 17 years old and had just begun his journey on the world tennis stage.
Reflecting on that moment, Jan said: “20 years ago, Djokovic qualified for the first time, he was 17 years old. I had been watching him, and I went around and said this guy is really good. There was no one from Serbia, I was their only fan.
Lastovika shared how difficult it had been to get to know the tennis star in recent years, given his immense popularity.
“We tried to meet him for many years, but it's impossible because he has so many fans,” Jan said.
“You can't even get close to him anymore.”
When the couple finally met Djokovic during the interview, the emotions were palpable.
Djokovic hugged them warmly, wearing the shirt they had brought.
He expressed his gratitude by saying, “Thank you so much, so much love.”
Djokovic is now a ten-time Australian Open champion and is aiming for a historic 11th title at the 2025 tournament at Melbourne Park.
The proud Serbian shared images of the meeting with Jan and his wife on his social media account.
It didn't take long for Djokovic to dominate the Australian Open, lifting the trophy for the first time in 2008.
For Jan, that moment was a dream come true.
Beaming with joy, she said: “I never dreamed then, I had no idea I was going to see Djokovic.” And I did it. How is that? The best of the day. Best day ever.'
The touching interaction resonated deeply with Djokovic fans around the world.
Social media was filled with heartfelt reactions and fans shared their admiration for the tennis star and the moment.
One fan commented: 'Simply beautiful. If you don't like Novak, something is wrong with you.
Another wrote: “It warms my heart,” while another added: “I'm not crying, you are.”
Djokovic is currently enforcing a press ban on host broadcaster Channel 9 following comments made by veteran presenter Tony Jones.
Jones mocked Djokovic and his Serbian fans during Friday's broadcast and publicly apologized on Monday.
Djokovic was unhappy because Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocked him and the Serbian fans.
Jones publicly apologized to Djokovic after Serbian star imposed press ban
Djokovic's efforts to reward his first Australian fan highlighted the bond he has with his Serbian fan base.
He was also photographed wearing the shirt walking through the Rod Laver Arena tunnel and in the training rooms at Melbourne Park.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who once again reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, also shared images wearing the shirt on his Instagram Story.
He also shared a message to his fans after declining the post-match interview due to comments made by Jones.
'Hey guys, thank you all for your support. Great match against Lehecka, who is in great form. 'I'm looking forward to the next matchup with Carlos, but I just want to take a moment to reflect on what happened on the court,' he said.
I'll leave it to Channel 9 and hopefully the situation will change before my next match. All the best.'