By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-20 13:12:45 | Updated at 2025-01-20 15:50:55
2 hours ago
Novak Djokovic may be at the centre of a media storm at the Australian Open, but the Serbian champion still found time to deliver one of the most wholesome moments of the tournament.
The 10-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 in the form of Jan Lastovika, a devoted fan who met Djokovic 20 years ago during his Australian Open debut.
Jan was joined by his wife, and the couple wore T-shirts featuring a photo of Jan with a 17-year-old Djokovic.
The couple had been given tickets by Djokovic to watch the match from the broadcast booth, an experience they described as unforgettable.
Jan Lastovika first encountered Djokovic during his qualifying matches two decades ago.
Novak Djokovic proudly wears the shirt his first Australian fan made for him 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 would go on to beat Lleyton Hewitt in the final
At the time, Djokovic was just 17 years old and had only 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, I went around, I said this guy is very good. There was nobody from Serbia, I was his only fan.'
Lastovika shared how difficult it had been to meet the tennis star in recent years, given his immense popularity.
'We tried to meet him for so many years, but it's impossible because he has so many fans,' Jan said.
'You can't even come near him anymore.'
When the couple finally met Djokovic during the interview, the emotions were palpable.
Djokovic warmly embraced them, wearing the T-shirt they had brought.
He expressed his gratitude by saying, 'Thank you so much, much love.'
Djokovic is now a 10-time Australian Open champion and is eyeing off an historic 11th title at the 2025 tournament at Melbourne Park
The proud Serbian shared images of meeting Jan and his wife to his social media account
It didn't take long for Djokovic to master the Australian Open, lifting the trophy for the first time in 2008
For Jan, the moment was a dream come true.
Beaming with joy, he said, 'I never dreamed then, I had no idea I am going to see Djokovic actually. And I did. How is that? Top of the day. Best day ever.'
The touching interaction resonated deeply with Djokovic fans across the world.
Social media lit up with heartfelt reactions, with fans sharing their admiration for the tennis star and the moment.
One fan commented, 'Just beautiful. If you don't like Novak, there is something wrong with you.'
Another wrote, 'Warms my heart,' while one more added, 'I'm not crying, you are.'
Jones mocked Djokovic and his Serbian supporters during the broadcast on Friday, issuing a public apology on Monday.
Djokovic was unhappy that Channel 9 host Tony Jones mocked him and Serbian supporters
Jones has publicly apologised to Djokovic after the Serbian star enforced a media ban
Djokovic's efforts to reward his first Australian fan highlighted the bond he has with his Serbian supporter base.
He was also photographed wearing the shirt walking up the tunnel at Rod Laver Arena and in the training rooms at Melbourne Park.
The 24-time grand slam winner, who has surged into the quarter finals of the Australian Open once again, also shared images wearing the shirt to his Instagram Story.
He also shared a message to his fans after declining the post-match interview because of the 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 leave it to Channel 9, and hopefully, the situation will change before my next match. All the best.'
