Father of autistic fan thanks Novak Djokovic, calls him 'not only the best tennis player but a man with a huge heart & soul'

Zoran Mijalkov, the father of two autistic Novak Djokovic fans, recently posted a heartfelt note of gratitude to the Serb. Djokovic had taken time out of his schedule to send them a video message, which according to Mijalkov made them 'smile after several days'.

Peter and his brother Nikola, who are based in Macedonia, have been diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder that impairs one's ability to communicate and interact. The story of the two boys had come to light a few months ago.

When Novak Djokovic learnt of their condition, he sent across a heartwarming message addressed to Peter.

"Hi, Peter, how are you? I'm sending you a big greeting and a big hug from Belgrade, hoping to see you live soon. I love you so much and hug you. Take care!" Djokovic had said in the video message, which was posted by Peter's father on his social media account.

He is Great person and soo much Kinde that give my son smile after several days pic.twitter.com/BlzZncpL2A

— Зоран Мијалков (@Zoran_Mijalkov) November 10, 2020

Zoran Mijalkov was delighted by the effort that Novak Djokovic took to make the video for his son, and he expressed his gratitude in no uncertain terms.

"It takes a little to be happy. Huge thanks to Nole who is not only the best tennis player, but above all a man with a huge heart and soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for helping my son Peter have happy moments and smiles by watching you you play. The power of love!" Zoran said.

#ЗаСреќаТребаМалкуГолема благодарност за Ноле @DjokerNole кој не само што е најдобриот тенисер туку е пред сѐ Човек со голема душа и срцеБлагодарам од срце и душа што помогна мојот син Петар да има среќни моменти и насмевки додека те гледа како играш💪💗 Силата на Љубовта pic.twitter.com/V7tsIlfgs8

— Зоран Мијалков (@Zoran_Mijalkov) November 3, 2020

How Peter Mijalkov and his brother became fans of Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic during the 2020 French Open in October 2020

The father of the boy had earlier revealed how Peter became a fan of Novak Djokovic, after which he started following all his matches.

When Zoran was looking for a cartoon on television for his son, a match featuring Djokovic came up on one of the channels. The boy remained glued to the TV screen to watch the rest of the match, and soon his brother started following Djokovic's matches closely too.

"He stayed in front of the screen all the time. He watched the match until the end. And since then, he hasn't missed a single performance by Djokovic," the father said.

Peter's next chance to see Novak Djokovic on television will be at the upcoming season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in London, which begins on Sunday.