Djokovic Shares Life Lessons with UCLA Football and Connects with NBA Stars

Indian Wells, CA – March 3, 2026 – As Novak Djokovic prepares for the BNP Paribas Open, he’s been broadening his horizons, connecting with athletes from different sports and sharing insights gained from his storied tennis career.

Djokovic’s Advice to the UCLA Football Team

Before heading to Indian Wells, Djokovic took the time to speak with the UCLA football team, offering advice centered around mindset and resilience. He emphasized that while life presents inevitable challenges – approximately 10% of life is what happens to us – the remaining 90% is determined by how we react to those events.^{ATP Tour}

Djokovic also expressed his appreciation for the team spirit he observed, something he acknowledged missing as an individual athlete. “Seeing you guys, how much you enjoy supporting each other, lifting each other up and bringing that spirit up,” Djokovic said. “It’s only going to serve you as a team, you individually, [your] coach and the whole community and of course the college that you’re a part of.” ^{News USA Today}

Connecting with NBA Legends

Beyond his time with the UCLA football team, Djokovic, a longtime basketball fan, spent time with NBA stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. He was photographed with both players at a Los Angeles Lakers game.^{ATP Tour}

Dončić publicly praised Djokovic, calling him “the GOAT” and expressing his excitement at having the tennis champion watch his game. ^{ATP Tour}

Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is a five-time champion at the BNP Paribas Open and holds the tournament record with 20 wins. ^{BNP Paribas Open} He is currently ranked No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings and has held the top spot for a record 428 weeks. ^{ATP Tour}

Djokovic’s recent activities demonstrate a focus on mental preparation and seeking inspiration from diverse athletic environments as he competes in the BNP Paribas Open.