Novak Djokovic opened a congress organized by the European Association of Neurological Scientists (EANS) in his native Belgrade on Sunday, October 16. Over 3000 experts in neurosurgery attended the event.

The EANS Congress has been held since 1959 and will take place from October 16-20 this year.

Djokovic gave a speech about resilience and mental strength while also hailing all the neuroscientists there.

“When they asked me to come, I asked myself what I should talk about here when it is not my familiar field. But I realized that together we share a love for work, a passion… You are heroes for me, you save lives,” the 35-Serb said.