Novak Djokovic has been in Olga Danilovic's corner for years, inviting her to train at his Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade, cheering her on at tournaments and serving as her mentor.
On Tuesday, when the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship begins, they'll be on the same side of the court.
Former No. 1 Djokovic hasn't played much doubles in recent years, choosing to focus on his singles game—a choice that has allowed him to win 24 Grand Slam singles titles. His best doubles result at a major was a second round appearance at Wimbledon in 2006, but he and Nina Stojanovic made a run to the semifinals of the 2020 Summer Olympics (played in 2021) before withdrawing from the bronze medal match due to a shoulder injury he sustained during his bronze medal match in singles.
Danilovic, the daughter of former basketball star Predrag Danilovic, reached a career-high ranking of No. 32 in July, and currently sits at No. 43. This summer, she reached the semifinals of the Candian Open with Hsieh Su-Wei, and made the quarterfinals of Roland Garros alongside Anastasia Potapova. Danilovic, the first player born this century to win a WTA title back in 2018, is also a three-time junior Grand Slam doubles champion, including at the 2017 US Open, so she's no stranger to success in Queens.
The duo previously played together at the 2024 United Cup while representing Serbia, defeating Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen, 6-4, 1-6, [10-6].
For Danilovic, who had looked up to Djokovic for so long, it was a dream come true.
"For the mixed doubles and playing with Novak, I think it was one of the best moments in my career. When he did the volley, when the match was finished, so many emotions through me. Just feeling proud of myself, how I hanged in doubles. It's not easy. It's my first time playing mixed, first time with Novak. As I said on court, bucket list done," she said after their win over Zheng and Zhang.
She also said he was a good partner, and she felt comfortable playing with him—albeit a little nervous to be playing with one of the sport's biggest stars.
"He's there as a great support," Danilovic said. "Knowing that maybe I'm on the net, but behind me serving is the best player ever, I mean, I'm secure. I feel secure. I feel good. I really tried my best. I also felt responsibility to him and to my team, not only to myself. I think I did a good job. I'm proud of that."
Danilovic is also much more comfortable on the sport's biggest stages than she was at the beginning of 2024, having reached the fourth round at Roland Garros that year after coming through qualifying, and defeating No. 25 seed Liudmila Samsonova and No. 7 seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets at the 2025 Australian Open to make the fourth round before falling to former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.
Djokovic and Danilovic are sure to entertain the fans at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and Serbs around the world and on the grounds will certainly be cheering for the legend and the rising star he inspired.
Tickets for the mixed doubles action in Ashe are available via Ticketmaster and USOpen.org. Learn more about the event—spectacular awaits!
