From High School Sweethearts to a Golden Slam: The Enduring Love Story of Novak and Jelena Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of tennis's greatest champions, has built a career defined by unparalleled success on the court. Away from the spotlight of Grand Slam victories and record-breaking achievements, his personal life has been anchored by a steadfast and enduring relationship with his wife, Jelena Djokovic (née Ristic). Their love story, spanning over two decades, is a testament to resilience, mutual support, and a shared vision that has seen them grow from teenage sweethearts to a power couple in the world of sports and philanthropy.

The foundation of Novak and Jelena's relationship was laid during their formative years in Serbia. They met while attending high school in the 1990s, forming a connection that would deepen over time. Their romantic journey officially began in 2005, a pivotal year as Djokovic was embarking on his professional tennis career. This period presented unique challenges, as Jelena pursued her education abroad, studying business administration and management at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, and later obtaining a master's in luxury goods and services from the International University of Monaco. The couple navigated the complexities of a long-distance relationship, with Jelena recalling, > "Us getting together was like science fiction almost. 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…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."

After eight years of dating, Novak proposed to Jelena in September 2013 in Monte Carlo, where they had eventually settled together. The proposal was a romantic gesture, reportedly involving a hot-air balloon with a banner asking, 'Will you marry me?' The following year, their union was formalized in a beautiful ceremony. On July 10, 2014, less than a week after Djokovic clinched his second Wimbledon championship, they exchanged vows in Sveti Stefan, a picturesque coastal town in Montenegro. Jelena, who was pregnant with their first child at the time, wore a stunning strapless Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress. Novak described the moment he saw her: > "Seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress, smiling and walking towards me…She looked like an angel. I was trying to be present in that moment and memorize it. I was focused on her, and her smile, and our baby. It really was a perfect moment."

The couple quickly embraced parenthood, welcoming their son, Stefan, on October 22, 2014. Three years later, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Tara, born in September 2017. Novak often expresses his joy and gratitude for his family, sharing heartfelt messages about his children and his wife's role in their lives. Jelena is a constant presence at his matches, offering unwavering support, though she admits to having to temper her emotions publicly. > "I have to be careful as I don't want to get too emotional and distract Novak. It's about what the guys want," she once stated. Beyond her role as a supportive spouse, Jelena is the global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to providing children in Serbia with access to quality early childhood education. Her commitment to humanitarian work showcases her own significant contributions off the court.

While Novak Djokovic's romantic history is predominantly defined by his long-standing marriage to Jelena, his public profile has, at times, led to speculation and brief mentions of other individuals. Early in his career, he was reportedly in a relationship with Lidija Popovic. There were also brief encounters or rumors, such as with Paraguayan javelin thrower Leryn Franco in 2008, Serbian singer Natasa Bekvalac (rumored between 2011-2016), and American chef Lauren Von Der Pool (rumored between 2012-2015). More recently, in 2016, there were unconfirmed encounters with Serbian model Nina Senicar and Indian actress Deepika Padukone. However, these instances have remained largely unverified or fleeting, with his marriage to Jelena consistently being the central and most significant aspect of his romantic life. The couple's bond has proven resilient against public scrutiny and the pressures of global fame, with Novak often crediting Jelena and their family for providing the balance and stability necessary for his continued success.

Their journey together has been marked by shared milestones, from Novak's rise to tennis superstardom to their recent celebration of ten years of marriage in July 2024. This enduring partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values, continues to be a cornerstone of Novak Djokovic's life, demonstrating that even amidst the intense demands of professional sports, a deep and loving relationship can thrive. Their story is a powerful narrative of commitment, family, and the unwavering support that underpins one of the most dominant careers in tennis history.