BREAKING: Novak Djokovic Funds Lifesaving Surgery for Conjoined Twins – ‘I Had to Give Them a Chance’ 💔

In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, stories of human kindness, especially when it comes from the most unexpected places, can touch the deepest parts of our hearts. One such story has recently emerged from Belgrade, Serbia, where tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has stepped far outside the court to deliver what many are calling a miracle off the racket. The world’s former number one tennis player has quietly — yet significantly — funded a lifesaving surgery for conjoined twins from a small Serbian town, changing the trajectory of not only their lives but that of their entire family.

A Humanitarian Move Hidden from Headlines

Novak Djokovic, known globally for his agility, mental strength, and fiery competition on the tennis court, is no stranger to philanthropy. Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, he and his wife Jelena Djokovic have long supported children’s early development, focusing heavily on underprivileged communities in Serbia and surrounding regions. But this act of personal compassion, far from the cameras and press releases, stands as something even more intimate and heartfelt.

The story began circulating on Serbian social media in early May 2025, and while no formal announcement had been made by Djokovic himself, local journalists began piecing the story together. It wasn’t until a small press briefing was held by the medical team at the Children’s Hospital of Rome, where the surgery took place, that the full truth came to light: Djokovic had anonymously paid for the entire cost of the complex separation surgery for two conjoined infant sisters, born in Serbia in late 2023.

The twins, Lena and Mila, were born joined at the chest and abdomen, sharing several vital organs — a medical condition that not only endangered their lives but made any hope of survival dependent on a costly, high-risk operation. Their family, hailing from the impoverished outskirts of Novi Pazar, had no means to afford the estimated €1.8 million needed for the specialist procedure abroad. The story might have ended there — another tragic case in a country with limited access to advanced pediatric surgery. But something remarkable happened.

“I Had to Give Them a Chance” – Djokovic’s Emotional Response

When asked about the donation during a post-match press conference at the Italian Open in Rome, Djokovic, usually private about his off-court initiatives, took a rare emotional pause. “Yes, it’s true,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. “I didn’t want this to be public, but now that it is, all I can say is… I had to give them a chance. If I can hit a ball and win millions, how can I ignore two babies who might not even get a chance to live?”

The press room went silent.

Djokovic went on to say that when he first heard of Lena and Mila, he was sitting in his Monte Carlo home, scrolling through Serbian news stories, catching up on local events. “I saw the faces of those girls. They reminded me of my daughter. And I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep unless I did something.”

According to a close family friend, Djokovic personally contacted the family, initially through intermediaries, then directly. He spoke with the twins’ parents via video call, reassuring them that the financial burden would no longer be their concern. “He didn’t talk to them as a celebrity,” said Dr. Ivana Pajić, a pediatrician involved in the early care of the twins. “He spoke like a father. Like a human being who simply refused to look away.”

The Journey from Serbia to Rome

Organizing the logistics of such a surgery was a feat in itself. The Novak Djokovic Foundation, in coordination with UNICEF Serbia and Doctors Without Borders, began quietly working behind the scenes. The twins were flown to Rome under medical supervision, accompanied by their parents and a small Serbian medical delegation.

The Children’s Hospital of Rome, renowned for its work in pediatric surgery, had handled several high-profile conjoined twin separations before. Still, Lena and Mila’s case was among the most complex. They shared portions of their liver, intestines, and diaphragm, and separating them meant risking severe complications.

In late April 2025, after months of preparation and simulations, a 21-hour surgery was performed by a team of 30 medical professionals from five different countries. The result: success. Both girls survived the procedure and are now recovering in individual neonatal care units.

“Without Mr. Djokovic’s contribution, this would not have happened,” said Dr. Lorenzo Bianchi, the lead surgeon. “But it wasn’t just money. It was advocacy, logistical support, emotional support — he was involved every step of the way.”

From Athlete to Advocate

This isn’t the first time Novak Djokovic has extended his influence beyond tennis. Over the years, he has become increasingly involved in philanthropic causes, especially those centering on child health, education, and social mobility. But this latest gesture has sparked international admiration — and reflection.

Social media has exploded with tributes. The hashtag #ThankYouNovak trended globally for 48 hours following the surgery’s success. Celebrities, fellow athletes, and even political figures chimed in to commend the act of compassion.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, not always aligned with Djokovic politically, issued a statement: “Novak Djokovic has once again shown the heart of Serbia. In a world filled with noise, he chose a silent act of immense meaning.”

Meanwhile, UNICEF issued a press release calling Djokovic a “silent hero”, highlighting that acts like these, while rare, “remind the world of the impact that individual agency and kindness can have.”

The Family Speaks: “We Will Never Forget Him”

In their first televised interview since the operation, Lena and Mila’s parents, Milica and Dejan Petrović, fought back tears as they described their journey from despair to hope. “We had resigned ourselves to the fact that we might lose them,” Milica said. “But then we got a call… and suddenly, we were being told that one of the greatest athletes in the world wanted to help us.”

Dejan added, “He never made us feel small. He never asked for recognition. He just said, ‘I’m a father too. I know what this means.’ We will never forget him.”

The family has since returned to Serbia, while the twins remain in Rome for rehabilitation and post-operative care. Doctors are hopeful that they will grow up healthy, with relatively few complications, though physical therapy and medical monitoring will be needed for several years.

The Novak Djokovic Foundation has confirmed it will continue to cover the twins’ ongoing medical expenses and education needs for at least the next decade.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

For many, this moment has cemented Djokovic’s legacy in a new way. Not just as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but as a symbol of empathy and human solidarity. In an era when sports figures are often criticized for being aloof or self-involved, Djokovic’s unpublicized act stands out like a beacon.

Sports journalist Martin Delray, who has covered Djokovic for over 15 years, said, “We’ve always known Novak is a fighter. But this — this is a different kind of fight. One that requires heart, not just strength. What he’s done here may well be the most important victory of his life.”

As the world grapples with conflict, inequality, and a seeming shortage of heroes, the story of Novak Djokovic and the conjoined twins offers something more valuable than headlines — it offers hope.

Djokovic himself put it best in a final note during his interview: “I’ve won titles, I’ve lost matches. But this… this is what truly matters. Giving someone a chance to live, to smile, to grow. I’m just grateful I was in a position to help.”

And in doing so, he reminded us all that true greatness doesn’t just reside in trophies — it lives in the choices we make when no one is watching.