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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
Aerial view of Bosnian pyramid in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reuters
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic returns the ball during an exhibition match. AFP
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
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
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 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
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
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 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 signs autographs. AP Photo
Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action. 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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
"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
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

Sport

Tennis

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

The National

July 14, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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.

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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.

Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy following his victory against Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Getty
Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy following his victory against Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Getty
The Duchess of Cambridge hands over the trophy to Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic at the All England Club. Getty
The Duchess of Cambridge hands over the trophy to Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic at the All England Club. Getty
Australia's Nick Kyrgios holds the runners-up trophy. AP
Australia's Nick Kyrgios holds the runners-up trophy. AP
Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6. AP
Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6. AP
Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Nick Kyrgios. PA
Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Nick Kyrgios. PA
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios after the match. Getty
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios after the match. Getty
Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning match point at the All England Club. Getty
Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning match point at the All England Club. Getty
Novak Djokovic after beating Nick Kyrgios. AP
Novak Djokovic after beating Nick Kyrgios. AP
Novak Djokovic celebrates in the stands with his coaches after winning the final. Reuters
Novak Djokovic celebrates in the stands with his coaches after winning the final. Reuters
Nick Kyrgios duriing the match. EPA
Nick Kyrgios duriing the match. EPA
Australia's Nick Kyrgios in action during his defeat against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. AFP
Australia's Nick Kyrgios in action during his defeat against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. AFP
Novak Djokovic plays a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty
Novak Djokovic plays a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty
Nick Kyrgios during the match against Novak Djokovic. Getty
Nick Kyrgios during the match against Novak Djokovic. Getty
A frustrated Nick Kyrgios during the match. PA
A frustrated Nick Kyrgios during the match. PA
Novak Djokovic stretches for a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty
Novak Djokovic stretches for a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty
Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrates a point. AP
Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrates a point. AP
Novak Djokovic in action during the final against Nick Kyrgios. Reuters
Novak Djokovic in action during the final against Nick Kyrgios. Reuters
Nick Kyrgios returns a tweener during the first set. Getty
Nick Kyrgios returns a tweener during the first set. Getty
Novak Djokovic wipes his forehead during a break. AFP
Novak Djokovic wipes his forehead during a break. AFP
General view of Novak Djokovic against Nick Kyrgios at the All England Club. PA
General view of Novak Djokovic against Nick Kyrgios at the All England Club. PA
Australia's Nick Kyrgios returns the ball. AFP
Australia's Nick Kyrgios returns the ball. AFP
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios before the match. Getty
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios before the match. Getty

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."

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Novak DjokovicBosnia and Herzegovina