2 MINUTES AGO: Novak Djokovic defends Jasmine Paolini with 14 words that shook the tennis world
It was an ordinary day at the Paris Masters, with the usual post-match interviews and flashes of photographers. No one expected that Novak Djokovic, notoriously reserved and careful with his public statements, would choose that very moment to utter a phrase destined to go down in tennis history. With a firm voice and a serious look, he simply said:
“Don’t you dare touch Jasmine Paolini: she’s stronger than you think.”
In that moment, the tennis world stopped. His words, brief but sharp, spread across social media in minutes, becoming a viral sensation that swept away fans, journalists, and colleagues. It was rare, almost unheard of, for Djokovic to take such a direct stance to defend another player, especially at such a delicate time.
For weeks, Jasmine Paolini had been at the center of a media storm. After a series of consecutive defeats and a visibly frayed appearance during a television interview, many commentators had harshly criticized her, questioning her mental strength and her future on the WTA circuit. Some had even suggested that her extraordinary performance at recent tournaments had been a “lucky interlude.”
But Djokovic refused to remain silent. Those who know him know that behind his apparent calm lies a profound sense of justice and a keen sensitivity towards those facing the same pressures he has experienced over the years.
“Novak has always admired Jasmine,” a member of his staff said. “He sees in her the same determination and purity of spirit that he had when he was trying to gain acceptance on the circuit. When he heard certain comments, he said, ‘Enough. It’s time someone told the truth.’”
And the truth, according to Djokovic, is simple: Jasmine Paolini isn’t just talent. She’s courage, dedication, and sacrifice. She represents a generation of athletes who don’t give up on others’ expectations. Born in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, raised far from the spotlight, Jasmine had to work twice as hard to get noticed, triple as hard to earn respect.
“Don’t you dare touch her,” Djokovic said, with the firmness that only those who have experienced the same wounds can muster. “Because behind her smile is a strength that few understand. And those who judge her don’t know what it means to fight alone against the world.”
His words immediately shifted public opinion. Social media, which until a few hours earlier had been overflowing with criticism, filled with messages of support. #RespectPaolini became a trending topic in Italy and abroad. Even former tennis champions, like Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta, commented, praising Djokovic’s intervention and recalling how difficult the life of an athlete under pressure can be.
An hour after that statement, Jasmine Paolini also broke her silence with a simple yet touching message on Instagram:
“Thank you, Novak. Your words mean more than you can imagine.”
Below, a black-and-white photo of her training, with the caption: “I will keep fighting.”
The crowd reacted with an outpouring of affection. Hundreds of fans shared their stories of resilience, inspired by Djokovic’s message of strength. Even some journalists who had previously criticized her admitted they had gone too far.
“Djokovic did what few have the courage to do,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport . “He used his voice not to defend himself, but to remind us that empathy is still possible, even in elite sport.”
But there’s much more behind that gesture. Those close to Djokovic say his reaction also stemmed from personal experiences. During the most difficult years of his career, Novak was often labeled “cold,” “robotic,” and “emotionless.” “They judged me without knowing me,” he once said. “And if I could spare someone the same pain, I would.”
With that phrase, Novak Djokovic didn’t just defend Jasmine Paolini. He defended all those who are forgotten behind expectations, results, and rankings. He reminded the world that sport isn’t just about glory, but also about fragility.
And Jasmine, meanwhile, continued training. Sources close to her team say that that statement restored her confidence. “It’s as if she felt like she belonged in this world again,” her coach said. “Novak’s words touched her deeply.”
As the sun set over Paris, the video of Djokovic uttering those 14 words surpassed ten million views. A brief snippet, a handful of seconds, but enough to leave a lasting impression.
Tennis, as we know, is made of silences and precise shots. But sometimes, a sentence can be worth more than a thousand victories. And this time, Novak Djokovic hit the nail on the head.
“Don’t you dare touch Jasmine Paolini,” she said.
And the tennis world—for once—listened in silence.
