EXCLUSIVE: Novak Djokovic and Wife Jelena Decide to Adopt a Baby from Hope Orphanage, Reveal Baby’s Name That Leaves Nanny in Tears
In a heartwarming turn that has touched fans across the globe, tennis icon Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena have announced the adoption of a baby from Hope Orphanage, a small but well-known children’s home located just outside Belgrade, Serbia. The couple, long known for their humanitarian efforts and devotion to children’s causes, made the surprise announcement during a private visit to the facility earlier this week.
What followed was an emotional scene that brought tears not only to the staff at the orphanage but especially to the nanny who had cared for the baby since birth. As Novak and Jelena revealed the name they chose for their new daughter, it left the entire room overcome with emotion—and confirmed that this wasn’t just an act of generosity, but a deeply personal, soul-stirring decision rooted in love and respect.
A Quiet Visit with Life-Changing Intentions
Djokovic and his wife reportedly visited Hope Orphanage under the radar, avoiding media attention. Sources close to the couple say the visit had been planned for several months after the pair were moved by a documentary highlighting the struggles of abandoned children in Eastern Europe.
The moment they met the baby girl—just 10 months old—they were struck with an instant connection. According to an orphanage staff member, “Jelena held her first, and Novak just stood there quietly, watching them. After a few minutes, he said, ‘This is the one. This is our daughter.’
The decision to adopt was finalized shortly after, and the couple began the paperwork immediately.
The Name That Brought Tears
But it was the couple’s next decision that created the most emotional moment. When asked what name they would give the baby, Novak paused, then looked toward the longtime nanny who had cared for the little girl since she was left at the orphanage.
With tears already forming in her eyes, the nanny—identified only as “Mira”—watched as Jelena gently said, “We’ve decided to name her Mila, in honor of the woman who loved her first.”
Mira broke down in tears.
That moment will stay with me forever, one staff member said. “You could feel the love in that room. Naming the baby after Mira… it meant everything.
Mira had been the baby’s primary caregiver since she was found abandoned near a train station last year. She had given the child the temporary nickname “Little Mila,” a term of endearment meaning “dear one” in Serbian.
A Family Grows—and Inspires
This is the first time the Djokovics have adopted a child, though they are already parents to two children of their own. Friends close to the couple say they have spoken often about the importance of giving back and raising their kids to understand the meaning of empathy and compassion.
The Djokovic Foundation, led by Jelena, has built schools and supported education initiatives for underserved children across Serbia and beyond. Adopting from Hope Orphanage was, according to Jelena, “a natural extension of what we believe in as a family.
In a short statement released after the announcement, Novak said,
There are victories on the court, and then there are victories of the heart. Today, our family grew. We are honored to give Mila the love, home, and future she deserves.”
A Legacy of Love
News of the adoption quickly spread across social media, drawing praise from fans, athletes, and celebrities around the world. Supporters called it “the most beautiful win of Novak’s career” and “a reminder that love always wins.
As Novak and Jelena bring baby Mila home, it’s clear that this act of compassion has already created a ripple effect far beyond the tennis world.
