Who inspired Novak Djokovic to play tennis? The Serbian star reveals two Wimbledon champions he grew up watching

Even after more than two decades at the top of the sport, Novak Djokovic still finds ways to connect with fans beyond his performances on the court. The 24-time Grand Slam champion arrived at Indian Wells this week chasing another milestone, but a short moment off the court has sparked fresh conversation across tennis news and social media. The Serbian star is aiming to win his first title in the California desert since 2016. Djokovic has already lifted the Indian Wells trophy five times in his career, yet returning to the event after several seasons away has made this year feel especially meaningful. His campaign began with a tense opening match, where he battled past Kamil Majchrzak 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. The conditions proved tricky, and the match itself carried an interesting storyline: Majchrzak had spoken openly before the match about growing up idolizing Djokovic.That moment of admiration prompted a reflection from the world No. 1 on his own journey. During a recent appearance in a video shared on Instagram by ‘Alex the Tennis Pro,’ Djokovic revealed the players who inspired him when he was young. Speaking in the video, Djokovic looked back at the matches that first sparked his love for the sport. “I watched the Wimbledon finals, Pete Sampras. Pete was the one that inspired me – Pete Sampras and Monica Seles.”It is easy to understand why those names had such an impact. Pete Sampras was a top player in the 1990s and he won 14 Grand Slam titles and was known for his strong serve and ranking at Wimbledon. His game inspired many young players, including Djokovic. Monica Seles, meanwhile, became one of the great champions in women’s tennis. She won 53 career singles titles and captured nine Grand Slam trophies. Even more astonishing was how early those achievements came. Eight of her major titles arrived while she was still a teenager.Djokovic has often spoken about the influence Seles has had on him personally. During the 2025 Australian Open, he even reflected on the possibility of working with a female coach in the future. “The only one I could see myself working with is Monica Seles, now that you mention it,” Djokovic said. "Actually, Monica has been a sort of mentor to me over the years. We’ve been in touch for a long time. Whenever I had injuries or when I was disqualified in the U.S., she always reached out in those tough moments, offering support and advice.”For a player who has inspired millions himself, Djokovic’s story shows that even the greatest champions start as fans.