Novak Djokovic has added another victory to his impressive record at this year’s Australian Open, but it was his post-match celebration that truly stood out. The tennis icon took a moment to share the joy with his children, a heartwarming gesture that speaks to his commitment to keeping family close.
Djokovic, known for bringing his loved ones along to major events, had his kids by his side on the court. You can’t help but smile when Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, gushes about his family.
Behind every powerful serve, every strategic play, there’s a man who adores his children and his wife with a passion that no victory could ever eclipse. Life for Novak isn’t just about the gold medals and Grand Slam titles—it’s about the love he shares with Jelena, his high school sweetheart, and their two wonderful kids, Stefan and Tara. Let’s know more about his family!
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Novak and Jelena’s firstborn, Stefan, arrived in October 2014, just a few months after the couple tied the knot. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover how Novak feels about his son. He often refers to Stefan as his “baby angel,” and when announcing his birth, he took to Twitter with an outpouring of joy:
Stefan, our baby angel was born! I am so proud of my beautiful wife Jelena! Thank you so much for your love and support. We love you all!!!
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 22, 2014 ” data-loaded=”true”>
Though Novak has always made it clear that he’s not pushing Stefan into the world of tennis, it’s not surprising that the little guy has taken a shine to the sport. After all, his dad’s legacy in tennis is almost impossible to ignore. “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,” Novak said at a 2022 press conference. “It’s really only his pure desire to step on the court.”
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And step on the court he does. The father-son duo has been seen practicing together, and Novak is more than willing to share his knowledge with his son. But here’s the fun part: Stefan has already developed his own unique style, even mimicking Novak’s biggest rival, Rafael Nadal, with a forehand that drives his dad a little crazy! “He likes to intimidate me on the court with finishing the swing here,” Novak joked (via ATP Tour). “He knows I don’t like that particularly. We have these kind of funny moments on the court.”
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While Stefan may have inherited his father’s love for tennis, Tara, the couple’s second child, is a little different. Born in 2017, Tara has Novak wrapped around her little finger. As Novak shared during the 2023 Australian Open, “She is not into tennis at all. She’s into ballet and gymnastics.” But it’s not just her interest in other activities that makes Tara special—it’s her ability to keep her famous dad humble.
She’s even been spotted reading a book at one of Novak’s Wimbledon matches, much to his amusement. “My tennis doesn’t make her excited so much … she needs to grab a book to entertain herself,” he said with a grin during his interview with Tennis Channel.
Novak Djokovic’s wife: Jelena
Novak Djokovic’s journey to tennis greatness has been intertwined with that of his wife, Jelena. The two met back in high school and dated for eight years before finally tying the knot in 2014 (via People). Their wedding took place in the picturesque coastal town of Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, just a week after Novak’s second Wimbledon victory. Jelena, the steady force in Novak’s life, is not just a supportive wife and mother, but also a dedicated humanitarian and an advocate for children’s education through the Novak Djokovic Foundation.
Though Jelena has always prioritized her family, she’s also had her own ambitions. While Novak’s career soared, Jelena pursued her studies in luxury brand management at Bocconi University in Milan. Later, she worked as the National Director of their charity, helping disadvantaged children in Serbia. Despite the whirlwind of his career, Jelena is often spotted at Novak’s matches, offering quiet support from the stands. Yet when the cameras aren’t on her, the passion flows, and she’s right there, cheering her husband on through every victory and defeat.
So while the world watches as he conquers the tennis world, Novak knows that the real victories happen when he’s surrounded by those who matter most—his wife, his children, and the unwavering support they provide.