Who is Novak Djokovic?

Novak Djokovic is a world-renowned Serbian professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Known for his incredible agility, mental strength, and versatile playing style, Djokovic has broken numerous records throughout his career. With multiple Grand Slam titles and weeks ranked as World No.1, he has etched his name into tennis history. Beyond his success on the court, Djokovic is known for his philanthropy, activism for players’ rights, and charismatic personality.

Early Life and Education

Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia) to Srđan and Dijana Djokovic. He grew up in a close-knit family environment along with his two younger brothers, Marko and Đorđe, who also pursued tennis careers at varying levels.

Djokovic’s journey into tennis began at an early age. By the time he was four years old, he was already showing a remarkable aptitude for the sport. His parents, recognizing his talent, enrolled him in tennis camps, and by the age of six, he was training at a tennis academy managed by Jelena Genčić, a celebrated coach in the region. Genčić quickly realized his immense potential and nurtured his skills through disciplined and structured coaching.

At the age of 12, Djokovic moved to Germany to attend the Pilić Tennis Academy in Oberschleißheim. Here, he honed his technique and competitiveness under the mentorship of former Yugoslav tennis star Nikola Pilić. Despite focusing primarily on his athletic career, Djokovic also maintained his academic studies, completing his education through specialized programs that allowed flexibility for his rigorous training schedule

---

Career

Novak Djokovic’s professional career began in 2003 when he turned pro at the age of 16. He quickly made a name for himself by breaking into the ATP Top 100 by 2005. His breakthrough came in 2008 when he won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

From there, Djokovic’s career trajectory soared. He became known for his unmatched consistency, stamina, and mental toughness. He holds multiple records:

• 24 Grand Slam titles (as of 2025)

• Most weeks at World No. 1 in ATP rankings history

• Career Grand Slam (winning all four Grand Slam titles at least once)

• Double Career Grand Slam (winning all four Grand Slams twice)

His career-defining years include 2011, where he won three Grand Slam titles and had a 41-match winning streak, and 2021, when he came close to completing the Calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic’s playing style blends powerful baseline rallies with exceptional flexibility, defensive skills, and one of the best returns of serve in history. His rivals — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray — have pushed him to new heights, creating the famous “Big Four” era in men’s tennis.

Beyond the court, Djokovic has been an advocate for player rights and helped establish the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2020 to represent the interests of players more effectively.

Despite occasional controversies over his outspoken views, Djokovic’s dedication to the sport, relentless drive for excellence, and philanthropy have earned him immense respect worldwide.

Novak Djokovic Career Table

---

Internal Link Paragraph

If you’re interested in learning about other inspiring young stars who have made a huge impact in their fields, check out our detailed biography on JoJo Siwa. From her early days on reality TV to becoming a global pop sensation and role model for young audiences, JoJo’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

---

External Link Paragraph

For more fascinating sports stories beyond tennis, you might enjoy reading about rising cricket star Dewald Brevis. Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his similarities to AB de Villiers, Brevis is quickly making a name for himself with explosive performances and incredible talent on the international stage.

Personal Life

Novak Djokovic is not only celebrated for his on-court achievements but also for his strong personal values and disciplined lifestyle. In 2014, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jelena Ristić (now Jelena Djokovic), in a beautiful ceremony held on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. The couple had been dating since their teenage years and share a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and shared values.

Together, they have two children: a son, Stefan, born in 2014, and a daughter, Tara, born in 2017. Djokovic often speaks about the importance of family and credits Jelena and their children for providing him with emotional balance and strength.

Outside tennis, Novak is passionate about wellness, mindfulness, and a healthy lifestyle. He follows a primarily plant-based diet and practices yoga and meditation regularly. He also authored the book “Serve to Win”, where he discusses his dietary changes and their impact on his performance and well-being.

Novak Djokovic’s Love Story

The love story of Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristić is one of the most heartwarming tales in the world of sports. Their journey began in the early 2000s when they were both teenagers attending the same high school in Serbia. Despite the demands of Novak’s emerging tennis career, the two maintained a strong connection through frequent letters, phone calls, and visits whenever possible. As Novak’s career soared and he traveled the world, Jelena was his unwavering support system, standing by him through every victory and setback. After more than a decade of dating, Novak proposed to Jelena in 2013, and they married in a beautiful ceremony on Sveti Stefan island in Montenegro in July 2014. Their relationship, built on deep trust, mutual respect, and enduring love, has remained strong even under the intense public spotlight. Together, they have created a family, welcoming their son Stefan and daughter Tara, and continue to support each other’s dreams personally and professionally.

---

Novak Djokovic’s Childhood

Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia, during a time of political turmoil in the former Yugoslavia. Growing up during the Yugoslav Wars, Novak faced many challenges, including playing tennis amid bombings and economic hardships. Despite the difficulties, his passion for the sport never wavered. His first tennis racket was a gift from his father, and by the age of four, Novak was already training seriously. His early coach, Jelena Genčić, recognized his extraordinary potential and took him under her wing, calling him “the greatest talent since Monica Seles.” Novak’s childhood was marked by sacrifice, discipline, and resilience. His parents worked tirelessly to fund his training, and Novak showed exceptional commitment even as a young boy. These early experiences of perseverance and determination shaped Novak’s mindset and fueled his rise to becoming one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.

Detailed Biography of Novak Djokovic

---

Family

Family plays a crucial role in Novak Djokovic’s life and career. His parents, Srđan and Dijana, were instrumental in supporting his tennis aspirations from an early age, even during economically challenging times. They ran various businesses, including a pizzeria and a sports goods shop, to fund Novak’s training and travels.

His two younger brothers, Marko and Đorđe Djokovic, also pursued careers in professional tennis, although they did not reach the same heights as Novak. Nevertheless, the Djokovic brothers maintain a strong bond and often support each other’s endeavors.

Djokovic’s extended family life also includes his wife, Jelena, who plays a significant role in his life both personally and professionally. Jelena serves as the director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving early childhood education and development in Serbia.

---

Latest News about Novak Djokovic

​As of April 26, 2025, Novak Djokovic’s challenging season continued with a first-round exit at the Madrid Open, where he was defeated by Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. This marks Djokovic’s fourth first-round loss of the year, following early exits in Qatar, Indian Wells, and Monte Carlo. Despite a runner-up finish at the Miami Open, where he lost to Jakub Menšík, Djokovic has struggled to find consistent form in 2025. Looking ahead, he remains focused on preparing for the French Open, aiming to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. ​

Novak Djokovic’s Social Media Accounts

---

Novak Djokovic’s Height and Physical Appearance

Novak Djokovic stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and maintains an athletic physique, weighing approximately 170 pounds (77 kilograms). Known for his remarkable flexibility, balance, and endurance, Djokovic combines strength with elegance on the court. His dark brown hair, sharp facial features, and lean muscular build make him one of the most recognizable athletes globally. His disciplined diet and training regimen contribute significantly to his youthful appearance even as he moves through his late 30s.

---

Novak Djokovic’s Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Novak Djokovic has an estimated net worth of $270 million. His wealth stems primarily from his exceptional tennis career, which includes prize money earnings (over $180 million) and numerous high-profile endorsement deals with brands such as Lacoste, Asics, Hublot, and Head. Apart from sports and endorsements, Djokovic has smart investments in real estate and co-founded various business ventures, further boosting his financial profile. His commitment to philanthropic causes through the Novak Djokovic Foundation also highlights how he uses his wealth to give back to society.

FAQs

Is Djokovic in a relationship?
Yes, Novak Djokovic is married to Jelena Djokovic, and they have been together for many years.

Are Jelena and Djokovic in a relationship?
Yes, Jelena and Novak Djokovic are married and share a strong, supportive relationship.

Who is Djokovic’s first wife?
Novak Djokovic’s first and only wife is Jelena Djokovic (née Ristić).

Why did Djokovic stop eating gluten?
Djokovic stopped eating gluten after discovering he had a gluten intolerance, which helped improve his health and athletic performance.