Nole is back: Novak Djokovic reunites with Grand Slam champions for special comeback
ATPThursday, 16 July 2026 at 08:30
Novak Djokovic returned to the tennis court just days after his Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner, joining several Balkan tennis stars for a special exhibition event in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, celebrating the opening of Ivan Dodig’s new tennis center.
The Serbian legend saw his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title end at Wimbledon after falling to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. The defeat marked Djokovic’s second consecutive loss to the Italian at the same stage of the tournament, following Sinner’s victory in the 2025 Wimbledon semifinals.
Rather than taking an extended break after his London exit, Djokovic quickly returned to the court in a relaxed environment, sharing the occasion with several prominent names from the tennis world.
The event featured Croatian stars including 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, doubles Grand Slam winner Mate Pavic and Ivan Dodig himself, while former world No. 1 Boris Becker was also present. Djokovic played a doubles exhibition match alongside Pavic against Dodig and Cilic.
Djokovic joins Croatian tennis stars for Dodig’s exhibition event
The exhibition match marked the inauguration of the Ivan Dodig Tennis Center, a new sports complex created by the Croatian former player, who enjoyed a successful career in both singles and doubles.
Dodig reached a career-high No. 29 in singles but achieved his greatest success in doubles, winning three Grand Slam titles and four mixed doubles majors. He also reached the semifinals of the 2019 US Open men’s doubles tournament.
. @DjokerNole & @TheBorisBecker in Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
— Milica Milutinovic (@MilicaM84932667) July 15, 2026
Dodig Tennis Center 🎾 #Djokovic #NoleFam pic.twitter.com/K4RNFGuo0B
For Djokovic, the appearance was his first time competing since his Wimbledon campaign ended. The 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the final four at the All England Club after victories over Yibing Wu, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderkench, Roman Safiulin and Felix Auger-Aliassime before running into Sinner.
The Italian went on to defend his Wimbledon title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final, further establishing himself as one of Djokovic’s main rivals at the top of men’s tennis.
Djokovic will now turn his attention toward the North American hard-court swing and his preparation for the US Open, where he will look to challenge for a fifth title in New York.
Djokovic’s long-standing connection with Balkan tennis
The event also highlighted Djokovic’s close relationship with the Balkan tennis community, particularly with several Croatian figures who have played important roles throughout his career.
One of the most significant connections is with Goran Ivanišević, the 2001 Wimbledon champion who worked as Djokovic’s coach from 2019 until 2024. During that period, Djokovic won multiple Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon trophies in 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2023 US Open.
Djokovic has also shared a strong relationship with Croatian players such as Cilic, while regularly maintaining connections across the region throughout his career.
His visit to Medjugorje continued a long tradition of Djokovic spending time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Serbian has frequently visited the country, particularly Visoko, where he has previously spoken about feeling a special connection and finding a place to recharge away from the demands of the ATP Tour.
Novak Djokovic vs Marin Čilić – H2H (20-2)
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Score |
| 2008 | Dubai | 1R | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2008 | US Open | 3R | Novak Djokovic | 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6(0) |
| 2009 | Dubai | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2009 | Beijing | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-2, 7-6(4) |
| 2010 | Davis Cup | SF | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2011 | Montreal | R16 | Novak Djokovic | 7-5, 6-2 |
| 2012 | Cincinnati | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2014 | Indian Wells | R16 | Novak Djokovic | 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 |
| 2014 | Roland Garros | 3R | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-4 |
| 2014 | Wimbledon | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-1, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-2 |
| 2014 | ATP Finals | RR | Novak Djokovic | 6-1, 6-1 |
| 2015 | Monte Carlo | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-0, 6-3 |
| 2015 | Wimbledon | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2015 | US Open | SF | Novak Djokovic | 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 |
| 2016 | Paris Masters | QF | Marin Čilić | 6-4, 7-6(2) |
| 2018 | Queen’s Club | Final | Marin Čilić | 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 |
| 2018 | Cincinnati | SF | Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 |
| 2018 | Paris Masters | QF | Novak Djokovic | 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 |
| 2018 | ATP Finals | RR | Novak Djokovic | 7-6(7), 6-2 |
| 2019 | Madrid | QF | Novak Djokovic | 6-1, 6-3 |
| 2021 | Davis Cup | RR | Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2022 | Tel Aviv | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2025 | Shanghai | 2R | Novak Djokovic | 7-6(2), 6-4 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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