For Olga Danilovic, growing up Serbian in tennis means living under the long shadow of Novak Djokovic — but also occasionally basking in his light. The 24-year-old left-hander, once ranked as high as No. 32, has not only shared the court with the men’s world No. 1 but shared his counsel, his energy, and — perhaps most importantly — his mindset.
“It’s something else when you talk to him,” Danilovic said on the Tennis Insider Club podcast. “Afterwards I just think: Give me a racket, I can beat everyone. You feel he’s really mastered the game — especially the mentality.”
That mentality, she admits, is what keeps her pushing forward even after a rollercoaster 2025 season that ended with a modest No. 67 ranking. She reached a final in Rouen early in the year, fell short against Elina Svitolina, and then faltered across the Asian swing. But, as Djokovic might remind her, belief doesn’t live in rankings.
A United Front — and United Cup Nerves
Danilovic and Djokovic first joined forces for Serbia at the 2024 United Cup — and the results were as entertaining as they were emotional. The pair won both their mixed doubles matches before bowing out to hosts Australia in the quarterfinals.
“We talk quite often,” Danilovic said. “I’d get advice from him — and never felt judged. Even if I told him, ‘I was so nervous I almost peed my pants before the match,’ he’d just laugh and make me feel normal.”
That nervous energy hit hard again when they reunited for a short-lived mixed doubles run at the US Open. Facing Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva, the Serbian duo fell early — but not before Danilovic had her “bucket list” moment.
“When we stepped onto the court, I looked at the big screen and saw ‘Serbia,’ and thought, Oh my God, we’re really doing this. My only goal was not to miss a ball. I just didn’t want to let him down.”
She didn’t. Serbia lost, but Danilovic walked away feeling like she’d earned something Djokovic himself values more than trophies — composure under pressure.
Djokovic’s Greatest Lesson: No Words Required
When asked for Djokovic’s best piece of advice, Danilovic paused. “I couldn’t name one thing he’s said. It’s more what he shows — his mental toughness,” she explained.
Watching his Olympic triumph, she says, felt like a national epiphany. “That was probably the most emotional day in Serbia. Everyone cried. And you just think: How does he do it?”
What impresses her most, though, isn’t his medals, but his authenticity. “He’s very honest with himself,” Danilovic said. “Whatever he does, it comes from how he feels. That’s what I’ve learned — to do what feels right. That’s the best advice of all.”
For a player still shaping her path, Danilovic’s friendship with Djokovic feels less like mentorship and more like a mirror — a reflection of what Serbian tennis, at its best, looks and feels like: proud, fearless, and unashamedly human.
Related WTA Articles You Might Enjoy
Osaka Swerves Auckland for the United Cup — and Leaves a Hole the Size of a Grand Slam Champion
Gauff and Swiatek Set the Tone for 2026 — Different Paths, Same January Pressure