Jelena Djokovic, known for being the supportive wife of tennis star Novak Djokovic, has carved out her own path as a humanitarian, mother, and successful woman in her own right. Despite the spotlight often shining on her husband, Jelena’s accomplishments and influence are undeniable. Here’s a closer look at her life, background, and journey alongside Novak Djokovic, as well as some personal insights into her family and lifestyle.
Early Life and Education
Born Jelena Ristić on June 17, 1986, in Belgrade, Serbia, Jelena has always had a strong sense of determination. She and Novak met as teenagers while attending the same high school in Serbia. Their shared love for tennis laid the foundation for their long-lasting relationship. The couple began dating while still in school and enjoyed an eight-year relationship before getting engaged in 2013. Despite Novak’s rising tennis career, Jelena was dedicated to her studies. She aspired to attend university abroad, which led her to pursue luxury brand management at Bocconi University in Milan. Her hard work paid off, as she won a scholarship to study abroad, even though financial constraints made it difficult for her to travel frequently. This long-distance phase of their relationship only strengthened their bond, proving that they could make their romance work, no matter the circumstances.
Career and Humanitarian Work
Jelena’s career took a significant turn after she moved to Monte Carlo to live with Novak. Initially working at an oil company, she soon realized the impact her job had on her relationship with Novak. Deciding to leave her position, she dedicated herself to a more meaningful cause. As the National Director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Jelena became a strong force behind the organization that seeks to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Serbia through access to quality early childhood education.
In addition to her charity work, Jelena has had a brief stint in modeling. In 2013, she became the face of the lingerie and swimwear brand Figleaves.com. Though this was a short-term project, it showcased another side of Jelena beyond her humanitarian efforts.
Marriage to Novak Djokovic
Jelena and Novak’s relationship reached a significant milestone in 2014 when they got married shortly after Novak won his second Wimbledon championship. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, with 100 guests in attendance. Their wedding ceremony, set outdoors in a gazebo surrounded by pine trees, reflected the couple’s private and serene nature.
Since their marriage, Jelena and Novak have shared a strong bond, both personally and professionally. In 2024, they celebrated 10 years of marriage. Novak expressed his admiration for Jelena on Instagram, describing their decade-long relationship as “ten years of joy, ten years of dreams, ten years as one.”
Family Life
Jelena and Novak’s family life has been nothing short of beautiful. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Stefan Djokovic, on October 22, 2014, just a few months after their wedding. Their daughter, Tara Djokovic, was born in September 2017. Novak shared his joy with fans, calling Jelena and Tara “angels” in a heartfelt post. Stefan, their firstborn, quickly took to his role as an older brother and has been shown to enjoy helping out with his little sister.
Alongside their children, the Djokovic family also includes two poodles named Pierre and Tesla, whom Jelena frequently features on her Instagram. She has a particularly strong bond with Pierre, celebrating his 11th birthday in 2019 with a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Support for Novak’s Career
Jelena has always been a constant presence in Novak’s life and career. While Novak competes in major tournaments like Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Open, Jelena has been there cheering him on from the stands. Despite the intensity of her emotions, she remains composed, understanding that Novak needs her to be a calming influence during matches. In interviews, Jelena has shared that she is careful not to distract Novak while watching him play, preferring to keep her emotions in check when she’s at the courtside. However, when watching his matches from home, she allows herself to be more expressive, knowing the cameras are not on her.
Her unwavering support was especially evident when Novak broke the record for the most weeks as the world’s No. 1 tennis player in 2021. Jelena humorously celebrated Novak’s achievement on Instagram, acknowledging the dedication that came with his “tennis love affair.”
Active Lifestyle and Personal Interests
In addition to her charity work and support for Novak, Jelena leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys spending time outdoors, often sharing her hiking adventures on social media. One notable example was a hiking trip to La Concha summit in Spain, which she shared in November 2022. Jelena’s fitness routine also includes activities such as Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, as seen in posts with her instructor. These activities not only help her stay in shape but also bring balance to her busy life.
Net Worth and Personal Life
While Jelena keeps a relatively low profile compared to her husband’s fame, she has built a strong career foundation through her humanitarian work, charity involvement, and previous modeling contracts. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $10 million. This, combined with Novak’s success, has allowed the Djokovic family to live comfortably, with Jelena continuing to focus on her philanthropic work and personal life.
Conclusion
Jelena Djokovic’s story is one of dedication, love, and passion for making the world a better place. As the wife of one of the greatest tennis players of all time, she manages to balance her family, career, and humanitarian efforts with grace. Her contributions, both on and off the court, continue to inspire people worldwide. Whether supporting her husband’s monumental achievements or running a charity for children, Jelena remains a figure of strength, compassion, and resilience.