David Bridges
View gallery
Novak Djokovic stands out as one of the most remarkable and thrilling tennis players in the world, captivating audiences with his extraordinary skills for over 20 years. Throughout his illustrious career, he has amassed an impressive collection of more than 20 men’s singles Grand Slam titles and has frequently held the title of the world’s number one player. His performances consistently make him a top contender in every tournament he enters, and he remains a fan favorite. Accompanying him through many of his pivotal moments is his wife, Jelena, who has been a steadfast support system. Their relationship has flourished alongside his tennis career, as they have been together almost as long as he has been a professional athlete. Discover all the intriguing details about Jelena’s life and their relationship here!
Discover the Story of How Novak and Jelena Met
Prior to her marriage to Novak, Jelena was known by her maiden name, Ristic. Their love story began during their teenage years when they met in high school in their native Serbia, as reported by Newsweek. The two not only shared a passion for tennis but also began dating in 2005. At that time, as Novak was already establishing himself in the professional tennis arena, they faced numerous challenges in maintaining their relationship. In an interview with Hello Magazine, Jelena shared insights about their early struggles, saying, “Airplanes were, at the time, something utterly out of our reach. We contrived and devised these plans how to meet, how to make our relationship work.”
Following their initial meeting, Jelena pursued her studies in luxury brand management at the prestigious Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. In her pursuit of academic excellence, she had to be a top-performing student in both elementary and high school to secure scholarships. “My parents were in no position financially to fund (my) education in a foreign country,” she explained to Hello. This determination and dedication exemplify her resilience and commitment to personal growth.
Jelena’s Humanitarian Efforts and Co-Founding the Novak Djokovic Foundation
In 2007, shortly after they began dating, Novak and Jelena jointly established the Novak Djokovic Foundation. This charitable organization is dedicated to enhancing early childhood development and providing essential support for parents, educators, and schools. Their initiative has positively impacted countless children in their home country of Serbia, fostering a brighter future for the younger generation.
In addition to co-founding the foundation with Novak, Jelena also takes on the role of global CEO. Her biography on the foundation’s website highlights her core values that drive her charitable activities. Describing herself as “a mother of two with an incredible passion to help,” she embodies the essence of Early Childhood Education. The website emphasizes that she lives by principles of gratitude, honesty, respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love, striving to practice these values in every aspect of her life.
Celebrating Their Marriage Since 2014
After eight years of a loving relationship, Novak proposed to Jelena in 2013, leading to their wedding on July 10, 2014. At the time of their marriage, Novak was riding high following his second Wimbledon Championship victory, making the occasion even more special. The couple exchanged vows in front of approximately 100 close friends and family members during an intimate ceremony held at the luxurious Aman St. Stefan resort in Montenegro, as reported by People.
Proud Parents to Two Beautiful Children
Jelena and Novak are thrilled to be the proud parents of two adorable children. Just months after their wedding, they welcomed their first child, a son named Stefan. Three years later, their family grew again with the birth of their second child, a daughter named Tara, who joined them in 2017. Their journey as parents has been filled with love and joy, as they navigate the beautiful adventure of raising their kids together.
Jelena Hosts the Inspiring Original Voice Podcast
In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Jelena is also the host of the Original Voice podcast, which is produced by Original Magazine. This engaging Serbian podcast features a variety of guests whom Jelena interviews, creating a platform for meaningful discussions. The podcast’s description beautifully captures its mission: “We continue the original voice with a series of interviews with people who are changing themselves, their environment, the region, or the world, all with the aim of bringing together those who are not afraid to be who they are, discover their calling, and present the talents for which they may have been born.”
Troy Sanders
Cameron Steel
