Novak Djokovic Wife: Meet Jelena The Woman Behind Novak Djokovic’s Success

When it comes to the world of tennis, few names resonate as powerfully as Novak Djokovic. As one of the greatest players in tennis history, Djokovic’s career is filled with accolades, records, and remarkable achievements. However, behind every successful man, there is often a strong support system, and for Djokovic, that pillar of strength has been his wife, Jelena Djokovic (formerly Ristic). Their love story, which began in high school in Serbia, has endured the test of time, distance, and the demands of an international tennis career. As Djokovic continues to dominate the sport, fans are becoming increasingly curious about the woman who has stood by his side for years.

A Love That Started in High School

The romance between Novak and Jelena Djokovic is the kind of love story that feels like something out of a fairy tale. They met while still in high school in Serbia, and their bond blossomed over shared interests, including their mutual love for tennis. The couple began dating at a young age and spent eight years together before getting engaged in 2013 in Monte Carlo, where Novak was living at the time. Their relationship was not without its challenges, however, as Jelena pursued her education and Novak embarked on his tennis career, which was beginning to show great potential.

Jelena, now 37, has always been the supportive and stable figure in Novak’s life, especially during the early days of his career when both were still finding their way. While Novak focused on making his mark in the tennis world, Jelena completed her studies, eventually enrolling in Bocconi University in Milan. There, she earned a degree in luxury brand management, an impressive accomplishment given the pressures of maintaining a long-distance relationship.

The Struggles of a Long-Distance Relationship

For much of their early years together, Novak and Jelena faced the challenge of being in a long-distance relationship. Novak’s tennis schedule often took him around the world, while Jelena focused on her studies. Jelena later opened up about how their relationship during those years felt almost surreal: “I was a student barely getting by, and he was a very young tennis player who also had no money to spare on expensive trips,” she recalled during an interview with Hello magazine.

Despite these struggles, their connection only grew stronger. Jelena’s hard work paid off, and she later moved to Monte Carlo to be closer to Novak. She initially found a job at an oil company, but as her career began to interfere with her personal life, she made the decision to leave the job and focus on other ventures, including her role in the couple’s charity organization, the Novak Djokovic Foundation.

Life After Marriage: Family, Career, and Tennis

In 2014, Jelena and Novak took the next step in their relationship by getting married. Their wedding, held in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, was an intimate affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. The couple’s wedding came shortly after Novak’s second Wimbledon victory, marking a milestone in both his professional and personal life.

Today, the couple is blessed with two children: a son named Stefan, born in 2014, and a daughter named Tara, born in 2017. Jelena, a dedicated mother, balances her family life while supporting Novak in every aspect of his career. She has always been there for him, cheering him on during every match, but she also knows when to hold back to avoid distracting him during crucial moments. Jelena explained in an interview with Daily Mail that although she is passionate when watching her husband play, she refrains from showing too much emotion during matches because she does not want to distract Novak.

But Jelena’s support doesn’t stop at the tennis court. She has been a constant presence in Novak’s career, especially when the Serbian tennis star hit a low point in his journey.

Novak’s Darkest Moment: Jelena’s Unwavering Support

In a candid interview with Graham Bensinger on the In Depth podcast, Jelena revealed a shocking moment in Novak’s career that many fans may not know about. After a difficult loss in the first round of the Miami Open, Novak was at his lowest. He gathered his family and told them that he wanted to quit tennis for good. Jelena and the rest of his family were devastated, trying to convince him that it wasn’t the right time to step away from the sport. “We were crying, we were like, ‘What are you doing? This is not the time,'” Jelena recalled. It took several days for Novak to change his mind, but it was during a holiday with his family when he realized how much he missed the sport.

While playing tennis with their son, Stefan, Novak was reminded of his love for the game. He picked up a racquet and started serving, realizing that he still had the passion for tennis. This moment of clarity helped Novak decide to return to the game and ultimately reclaim his position at the top of tennis. Jelena’s unwavering belief in him and her support during that tough period played a key role in helping Novak rediscover his motivation.

Jelena Djokovic’s Role Beyond the Court

While Novak’s career continues to thrive, Jelena also remains deeply involved in their charitable endeavors through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which aims to provide education and support to children in need. As the National Director of the foundation, Jelena plays a crucial role in furthering the couple’s mission to give back to their community.

Jelena’s life is a perfect example of how love, support, and dedication can help someone achieve their dreams. Her role in Novak’s life is not just that of a wife and mother, but also that of a partner who has stood by him through every triumph and challenge. Jelena Djokovic is truly the heart behind Novak Djokovic’s success, and her story is an inspiring reminder of the power of love and perseverance.

In the midst of Novak’s remarkable tennis career, Jelena remains a constant source of strength, proving that behind every great champion is someone who believes in them through thick and thin.