Djokovic Wife and Kids: Inside Novak Djokovic’s Family Life and the Love That Grounds a Champion
Novak Djokovic may be known worldwide as one of the greatest tennis players in history, but away from the courts, his most cherished roles are husband and father. Fans often search for information about Djokovic’s wife and kids, curious about the family that supports the Serbian champion through the pressures of global fame, rigorous training schedules, and intense competition. His wife, Jelena Djokovic, and their two children form the emotional foundation of his life, shaping his personal identity as deeply as his athletic achievements have shaped his career. Behind every win, every comeback, every Grand Slam triumph, there is a family story filled with love, partnership, sacrifice, and unbreakable unity.
Who Is Novak Djokovic? A Quick Background
Novak Djokovic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1987, in a country facing political turmoil and economic hardship. Growing up during the Yugoslav Wars, his childhood was marked by resilience and survival. Tennis became not only his passion but his outlet—a path to hope, discipline, and purpose. Encouraged by his parents, he began training at a young age and quickly showed remarkable talent.
Djokovic’s rise to global prominence was meteoric. Known for his extraordinary flexibility, mental toughness, and unmatched return game, he has won multiple Grand Slam titles across every surface, spending more weeks at world No. 1 than any player in ATP history. His rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is considered one of the greatest in sports, and his consistency has solidified him as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
But beneath the accolades, Djokovic remains deeply connected to his roots. Family is woven into his identity, shaping the way he trains, competes, and conducts his life off the court.
Who Is Jelena Djokovic — The Woman Behind the Champion
Jelena Djokovic, born Jelena Ristić, is not just the wife of a tennis superstar; she is a highly educated, accomplished, and influential figure in her own right. Born in Belgrade in 1986, she met Novak when they were teenagers attending the same sports and academic circles. Their relationship grew gradually, strengthened by mutual understanding, shared experiences, and the dreams they built together long before Djokovic became a global icon.
Jelena pursued higher education with rigorous determination. She studied business at Bocconi University in Milan, later completing her master’s degree while supporting Djokovic’s early career. Fluent in multiple languages and gifted in communication, Jelena naturally gravitated toward leadership roles within philanthropy and business.
Today, she serves as the director and global ambassador of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, an organization focused on early childhood education and supporting underprivileged communities. Her intelligence, compassion, and organizational skills have helped transform the foundation into one of Serbia’s most impactful humanitarian initiatives.
Despite her accomplishments, Jelena tends to stay out of the spotlight, choosing intentional privacy for herself and her family. However, when she does appear—particularly in Djokovic’s player’s box—her presence radiates warmth, strength, and unwavering support.
Their Love Story and Marriage
Novak and Jelena’s love story is rooted in years of shared history. They began dating in the early 2000s, supporting each other through long-distance challenges, financial struggles, and the pressures of Djokovic’s rising career. As Djokovic entered the international tennis scene, Jelena was beside him—emotionally, strategically, and spiritually.
Their relationship culminated in an engagement in 2013 and a stunning wedding in July 2014, held at the Aman Sveti Stefan resort in Montenegro. The ceremony was intimate, elegant, and deeply meaningful for both of them. Just days after Djokovic won Wimbledon, he and Jelena celebrated their marriage surrounded by close family and friends.
Later that year, they welcomed their first child, officially stepping into a new chapter—not just as husband and wife but as parents.
Djokovic’s Kids — Stefan and Tara
The couple has two children who bring immense joy to their lives: their son, Stefan, born in October 2014, and their daughter, Tara, born in September 2017.
Stefan, the eldest, shares many traits with his father, including curiosity, athleticism, and a growing love for tennis. Novak has frequently spoken about how meaningful it is to see his son at matches, especially when Stefan watches him practice or attempts to mimic his playing style. Djokovic often describes fatherhood as transformative, saying it has deepened his emotional world and given him a new sense of purpose.
Tara, the younger child, is described by both parents as spirited, loving, and expressive. While the family protects both children from excessive media exposure, they occasionally share glimpses of their bond—videos of family celebrations, heartfelt messages, or moments when the children join Djokovic on the court after major victories.
The Djokovic family’s approach to parenting emphasizes emotional well-being, education, gratitude, and staying connected to Serbian traditions. Their children are raised with a balance of cultural grounding and global awareness due to the family’s frequent travel.
Family Values: How Djokovic Prioritizes Jelena and the Children
Despite his demanding schedule as a professional athlete, Djokovic has always emphasized the central importance of his family. He has spoken many times about how Jelena and the children give him perspective, reminding him that tennis is only part of his life, not the entirety of it.
Family rituals are a key part of their life—daily conversations, shared meals, meditation sessions, and spending time outdoors. Djokovic often travels with his family during tournaments, and when that is not possible, they stay connected through long video calls and shared routines. He attributes his emotional resilience and clarity on the court to the grounding presence of his wife and children.
Jelena’s Role in the Novak Djokovic Foundation
Jelena’s leadership in the Novak Djokovic Foundation is one of the defining elements of her public work. The foundation focuses on supporting early childhood education in Serbia and beyond, building preschools, training teachers, and ensuring that children from underserved communities have opportunities to learn and thrive.
Under her guidance, the foundation has expanded internationally and partnered with major organizations. Jelena’s involvement reflects the couple’s shared desire to give back to the country that shaped them.
How Fame Impacts the Family — Balancing Public Life and Privacy
Life in the spotlight brings challenges, especially for a global sports family. Jelena and Novak carefully manage their public presence, choosing when to appear together and how much to share about their children. While the kids occasionally join Djokovic on the court during celebratory moments, the couple protects them from media scrutiny.
Jelena has spoken about the pressure of being watched by millions during high-stakes matches, noting that the emotional toll can be significant. Yet her composure and quiet strength continue to inspire fans.
Featured Image Source: townandcountrymag
