Novak Djokovic as a mentor, by Olga Danilovic

Carlos Navarro | 3 Dec 2025 | 14.02

Danilovic talks about Djokovic's influence and presence. Source: Getty

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Being the most decorated tennis player in history always comes with a responsibility. It rests on the shoulders of Novak Djokovic like a sometimes invisible burden, but it is there, a burden that, yes, seems to bear as if he were born with it. Rarely have we read a statement from a fellow circuit player depicting the Serbian as a bad partner, and the testimonies of those who have shared moments with him always show a generous player who does not hesitate to give advice to others.

That is why Olga Danilovic feels absolutely privileged. The best Serbian racket in the women's circuit and one of those perennial promises that do not quite materialize, the Balkan player has had a great 2025, with results that show a clear ascent. She too has had to bear the weight of exaggerated expectations, and no one better than Novak Djokovic to serve as a spiritual guide. Has she ever felt disappointed? Quite the opposite: if anything, Nole has shown her that his help will always be guaranteed.

"He is very involved in Serbian tennis. He is always very open to chatting with us about everything. When you are young and clueless about what is happening around you, being able to ask him and get advice... it's different. When you talk to him, I don't know how to say it, after finishing the conversation you think: 'Give me the racket, I'm going to beat everyone'," says the Serbian with laughter, recalling with great affection one of the best moments she has experienced in her career: sharing mixed doubles with the one from Belgrade during the United Cup 2024.

What does it actually feel like to get advice from Novak Djokovic?

Olga Danilovic explained it in a way only someone who’s lived it can.

“After I finish the conversation with him, I'm like… okay, give me a racquet, I'm gonna beat everyone.”*

That’s the effect Djokovic has on… pic.com/egq8cMKDNx
— Tennis Insider Club (@tennisinsidercl) December 2, 2025

"You feel his aura. It is clear that he is someone who has perfected this sport, especially the mentality and the way he deals with things. I am very proud to say he is my friend. I have asked him for advice on various topics, and I have never felt judged. I have never felt uncomfortable. You wonder if it will sound stupid to ask him if he was 'scared' before a match, but in the United Cup, we played together, mixed doubles, and I wasn't just nervous... I was beyond (she smiles). I thought I couldn't miss a ball, that I had to play like a superheroine. It was a great moment, one of those goals you achieve. When we step on the court, and I see him right behind me, I got emotional," Olga asserts firmly.

Danilovic reveals what has been the best advice she has received from Djokovic

Among the many conversations they have had, Olga finds it difficult to highlight a single piece of advice from the current world number four. Would she choose a lived experience? Any reference to her youth? Danilovic, rather, emphasizes a specific aspect of his personality:

"The best advice he has given me... I couldn't tell you something specific, one thing, it's more about... mental strength. The way he presents himself, the fact that every time we talk, I feel he is true to himself, that's what I respect most about his character. Whatever he does, it’s what I feel. It shows us that we must follow the path we feel, that's what I take as the best advice". Let's see to what extent she takes it as motivation for a 2026 where she promises to consolidate herself among the elite of the women's circuit.

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