Novak Djokovic inaugurates courts at controversial 'Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun'

Serb is fond of the hill town of Visoko, where thousands flock every year to what some believe are an ancient man-made pyramid complex with healing powers, a claim widely rejected by scientists

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic speaks to reporters after an exhibition match, organised to mark the opening of a tennis court at the "Archaeological park of the Bosnian pyramid" near Visoko, north of Sarajevo, on July 13, 2022. AFP

For the past few years his teams have been also clearing underground tunnels near the "Pyramid of the Sun" and he boasts of its beneficial effects on the health of visitors. Reuters

Novak Djokovic shares a joke during an exhibition match. AFP

Novak Djokovic returns the ball during an exhibition match, organised to mark the opening of a tennis court at the "Archaeological park of the Bosnian pyramid" near Visoko, north of Sarajevo. AFP

Novak Djokovic holds a Bosnian boy celebrating. AFP

Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Aljaz Bedene from Slovenia, Ivan Dodig from Croatia and Bosnian player Aldin Setkic pose with theirs gifts after an exhibition match. AFP

Novak Djokovic said: 'This is a special day for Visoko, for Bosnia, for the whole region, for tennis, for sport.' AFP

Aerial view of Bosnian pyramid in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reuters

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic returns the ball during an exhibition match. AFP

Novak Djokovic has returned to the "Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun" complex at least four times, either alone or with his family, always to be warmly welcomed by the unusual site's founder, Semir Osmanagic. AFP

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic returns the ball during an exhibition match, organised to mark the opening of a tennis court at the "Archaeological park of the Bosnian pyramid" near Visoko, north of Sarajevo. AFP

Serbia's Novak Djokovic gestures while playing a doubles exhibition match in Visoko, Bosnia. AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates while playing an exhibition match against Croatia's Ivan Dodig. AP Photo

Novak Djokovic, who claimed his 21st Grand Slam title on Sunday with victory over Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, visited the site for the first time in 2020 and called it a "paradise on earth". AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts while playing an exhibition match against Croatia's Ivan Dodig in Visoko, Bosnia. AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs autographs. AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action. AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic takes a break while playing an exhibition match against Croatia's Ivan Dodig in Visoko, Bosnia. AP Photo

Novak Djokovic has meditated at the site and during each visit walked kilometres of "energy" tunnels, which are, according to archaeologists, an ancient gold mine. AP Photo

"Here, we simply feel the energy, each in its own way. For me, this is one of the most energetically powerful places on the planet, of which I have seen many," Novak Djokovic told reporters after the exhibition matches. AP Photo

Ancient civilisation afficionado Semir Osmanagic has claimed for the past 20 years that he has discovered not one, but several pyramids built by a mysterious civilization near Visoko. AP Photo

Serbia's Novak Djokovic prepares to serve. AP Photo

A young fan attends an exhibition match played by Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Croatia's Ivan Dodig in Visoko, Bosnia. AP Photo

"The message of this day is peace, sport, future and health", he added while several hundred fans seated near a dense forest welcomed him with a big applause. Reuters

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic performs during the opening of a regional tennis centre that will prepare top tennis players for major tournaments, in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reuters

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Wednesday inaugurated tennis courts at a "pyramid park" in Bosnia said to possess healing powers.

The Serb, known for his new-age spiritual interests, is fond of the hill town of Visoko, where thousands flock every year to what some believe are an ancient man-made pyramid complex with healing powers, a claim widely rejected by scientists.

Djokovic, 35, who claimed his 21st Grand Slam title on Sunday with victory over Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, visited the site for the first time in 2020 and called it a "paradise on earth".

He has returned to the "Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun" complex at least four times, either alone or with his family, always to be warmly welcomed by the unusual site's founder, Semir Osmanagic.

According to Osmanagic, a Bosnian businessman and a self-styled archaeologist, the idea of building a "regional training centre" with two courts was born during Djokovic's last visit in March.

"This is a special day for Visoko, for Bosnia, for the whole region, for tennis, for sport", Djokovic said after arriving at the new courts.

"The message of this day is peace, sport, future and health", he added while several hundred fans seated near a dense forest welcomed him with a big applause.

Ancient civilisation afficionado Osmanagic has claimed for the past 20 years that he has discovered not one, but several pyramids built by a mysterious civilisation near Visoko.

For the past few years his teams have been also clearing underground tunnels near the "Pyramid of the Sun" and he boasts of its beneficial effects on the health of visitors.

On arrival, Djokovic visited the new courts and went for a walk into a pine forest, which is a part of the park, with his host.

Djokovic has meditated at the site and during each visit walked kilometres of "energy" tunnels, which are, according to archaeologists, an ancient gold mine.

"Here, we simply feel the energy, each in its own way. For me, this is one of the most energetically powerful places on the planet, of which I have seen many," Djokovic told reporters after the exhibition matches.

"I simply feel that every moment spent here fills me with energy and gives me strength for future challenges in tennis and in life."