WATCH: Novak Djokovic meets biggest fan Koujirou Owaki

| by Sebastian Dahlman

It was a life-long experience for young Koujirou Owaki, who met world number 1, Novak Djokovic, at the 2022 Serbia Open after the 20-time Grand Slam champion invited him to watch his match.

Yonosuke and Koujirou Owaki are two of the biggest Japanese tennis stars; even though they are only 8 and 6 years old, they flooded the internet with their incredible videos from practice. Younger Koujirou is a big fan of world number 1, Novak Djokovic, who plays at the 2022 Serbia Open.

Djokovic, currently the world's number one tennis player, extended a heartwarming invitation to Koujirou to attend the 2022 Serbia Open. This gesture wasn't merely a formal nod to a young fan but a personal outreach from a champion who understands the power of dreams.

Djokovic's message, simple yet profound, resonated with a promise: "It will be my pleasure to invite you over to Belgrade." Fast forward a month, and the streets of Belgrade became the canvas for this remarkable story.

"I've done enough in my career that I could stop today" says Novak Djokovic
"I've done enough in my career that I could stop today" says Novak Djokovic

The excitement in Koujirou's eyes was palpable as he stepped onto the court where his hero awaited. But this was no ordinary fan meet; the two have hit on the court, and the youngster will certainly remember this moment for the rest of his life.

For Koujirou, every stroke played with Djokovic was a learning experience. Djokovic’s every move, his forehand, his footwork, his serve, was a live textbook for the young prodigy. The Serbian champion, known for his resilience and mental fortitude, also imparted lessons that transcended technical skills. It was about passion, dedication, and the love for the game.

This encounter wasn't just significant for Koujirou; it was a testament to Djokovic's character. Often seen battling fiercely on the court, here was a different Djokovic - a mentor, an inspiration, a role model. His interaction with Koujirou showed a side of athletes that often gets overshadowed by their on-court personas – their ability to inspire and nurture the next generation.

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