- Novak Djokovic suppressed tears when sharing the sad news of Charlie Kirk’s birth
In a rare emotional moment at the press conference after the match at the US Open, the legend of Novak Djokovic tennis legend could not help crying when sharing about the family tragedy of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk – who died 10 days ago in a shocking assassination. With a trembling voice, Djokovic tells about Kirk’s young wife, Erika Frantzve, who discovered that she was pregnant just days after her husband’s sudden death. “She discovered that she was pregnant just a few days after Charlie left. Now, this young woman will have to raise her three children alone, without her husband to support,” Djokovic choked, making the whole room silent.
The tragedy of Charlie Kirk: from the political stage to permanently leave
Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point Usa and is a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead on September 10, 2025 at an event on the Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The assassination occurred in the middle of the Kirk’s talk in the “American comeback” tour, when a shot from the nearby roof was hit by his neck, killing him shortly after the hospital. The suspect Tyler James Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with a high level murder, with the Utah prosecutor announced his prosecution.
The incident aroused the nationwide wave of outrage, with more than 520 terrorists and political violence in the first half of 2025, causing 96 deaths and 329 casualties. Kirk left his wife Erika Frantzve, former Miss Arizona USA, and two young children – a 4 -year -old boy and a 2 -year -old girl. News of the third child, a boy who was not born was confirmed only three days after the funeral, shocked the public. Erika, 29, shared on Instagram: “Charlie will never see our son. But I will tell you about my father – a brave man who has changed the world.”
Djokovic’s emotional moments: Remember and support promise
Djokovic, 38, a 24 Grand Slam champion, famous for his composure on the field, revealed his emotions at the press conference on September 19 after defeating Jannik Sinner in the US Open quarter -finals. Being a longtime fan of Kirk – who has publicly admired Djokovic as a “symbol of resilience” – the Serbian player spent most of his time talking about this tragedy. “I have been watching Charlie for a long time. He is a warrior, always fighting for what he believes. And now, his family … God,” Djokovic said, his voice burst into tears. He described in detail about Erika: “She is a strong woman, but who can imagine? Pregnant in the pain of loss, to take care of three children alone. They are innocent, and they deserve a good future.”
Djokovic did not stop at his condolences. He announced his personal commitment via Novak Djokovic Foundation: Financial support for all educational and living expenses for Kirk’s three children, estimated at up to 5 million USD in the next 18 years. “I will make sure they have safety, education and love. That is the small thing I can do to honor Charlie,” he said, mentioning the mission of his fund – helping children in the globe. This moment quickly spread, with a video that attracted more than 10 million views on X in just 24 hours, and hashtag #djokovicforkirkirk trending globally.
Global reaction: from memory to controversy
The news has sparked widely empathy, but also accompanied by false information. Some of the fake post on Facebook and X spread that Djokovic “broke silent with the emotional gratitude” or even “spent a permanent empty seat at the US Open for Kirk”, but the Fact-Check from Les Sulligneurs and Facta confirmed that this was fake, there was no official source evidence. Instead, Djokovic’s true sharing was praised by stars like Roger Federer (“A true humanistic gesture”) and American politician like Ted Cruz (“Djokovic proves sports crossing the political border”).
Erika Frantzve responded through Turning Point Usa: “Novak, you are the benefactor of our family. Charlie will be proud.” Meanwhile, suspect Robinson was accused of “spread hatred” against Kirk, and the case was waiting for the first instance trial in October.
Kirk’s heritage and Djokovic’s mission
The assassination of Kirk has raised concerns about political violence in the US, with experts like Luke Baumgartner from George Washington University warn that this may be a “darker chapter” in the history of the country. For Djokovic, who has just moved his family to Greece to avoid political pressure in Serbia, this action is not only kindness but also a message of solidarity. “Sports teach us about resilience, and Charlie has lived like that. Now, help those who stay,” he ended, before leaving the press conference with a hug from reporters.
As the US Open continued, Kirk’s silhouette seemed to exist – not through empty seats, but through practical actions as Djokovic’s promise. Does this gesture inspire more? The answer is probably on the journey of three children who will grow up with the story of the father and the “friend” from the tennis court.
