Inside Novak Djokovic’s Family Life: Meet the People Who Keep the Champion Grounded
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is once again chasing history at Roland Garros as he eyes a record 25th major title by week’s end. With 100 ATP singles titles, including 24 Slams, 40 Masters 1000s, seven ATP Finals, Olympic gold and several records, he’s one of the most decorated players the sport has ever seen.
But beyond the trophies and records, Djokovic leans on his biggest support system: his family. Through the highs and lows, his wife Jelena and their children, Stefan and Tara, remain his constant. Here’s a closer look at the people behind the champion.
Djokovic married his high school girlfriend, Jelena Ristic (now Djokovic), in July 2014 on the beautiful island of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro. The couple tied the knot after nearly a decade of dating. They welcomed their first child, a son, Stefan, just a few months later in October 2014. In September 2017, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Tara.
Both children are often seen courtside with Jelena, cheering Djokovic on, quietly sharing the spotlight as his biggest supporters. And the Nole loves his children more than anything. He calls them “my angels,” often in interviews and proudly said in a press conference in 2022, “I have the privilege to be a father to wonderful kids.”
Novak and Jelena’s son, Stefan, born on October 22, 2014, seems to be following in his father’s footsteps. Tennis has come to him naturally, and he often joins Novak on the practice court. But the passion is his own. Speaking at a 2022 press conference, Novak said, “I’m not forcing him to play tennis. I never did that; not a single day have I told him that he has to do this. It’s really only his pure desire to step on the court. So if he wants to embark on this journey, I guess I have to embark with him too.”
In a lighthearted moment shared with the ATP Tour, Djokovic revealed that Stefan likes to mimic Rafael Nadal’s forehand just to mess with him: “He likes to intimidate me on the court with finishing the swing here. He knows I don’t like that particularly. Whenever he does that, he always laughs because he knows. We have these kind of funny moments on the court.”
Novak and Jelena’s daughter, Tara, was born on September 2, 2017, but unlike her tennis-loving brother, Tara has carved out her own interests. She’s more drawn to gymnastics and ballet than rackets and rallies.
During Djokovic’s Wimbledon matches in July 2024, she even stole the spotlight by casually reading a book courtside while her father battled on the grass. “My tennis doesn’t make her excited so much,” Novak joked to Tennis Channel. “She needs to grab a book to entertain herself.” In a charming 2023 admission to BBC Sport, Djokovic also revealed that Tara prefers Andrey Rublev over him, drawn to “his headband, energy and intensity.”
But beyond the laughs, Tara clearly holds a special place in her father’s heart. Speaking at the 2023 Australian Open, Novak said, “You know, she’s a really cute girl. She keeps me grounded and humble, and she spins me around every single day. Whenever she looks at me, I’m disarmed. Her look is the most beautiful look I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Also Read: Who Are Rafael Nadal’s Wife and Son? All About Rafa Nadal’s Beautiful Family
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