Throughout his illustrious career, Novak Djokovic has often found himself at odds with some tennis fans, yet his wife, Jelena, firmly believes he embodies the essence of the ‘people’s champion.’
Jelena, who has been a cornerstone of Djokovic’s journey since their school days, reflects on their shared life as they raise their children, Stefan and Tara, while traveling the globe to support Novak as he navigates the latter stages of his remarkable career.
In a recent interview with La Nacion, where Djokovic shared his thoughts, Jelena also took the opportunity to discuss their story as a couple. While Djokovic may not always have captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide, Jelena insists that his rise from humble beginnings serves as a beacon of inspiration for many.
“When we look at what is happening in the world, tennis is such a small prism of life, but it brings happiness to people. It brings joy. It brings hope,” she explained. Jelena emphasizes that Novak aspires to leave a lasting impact, viewing him as a champion for everyday people rather than the elite. “He is a common man who comes from a very simple family, from a family of workers and dreamers,” she asserted.
Traveling extensively, Jelena has observed how Djokovic’s story resonates with fans from all walks of life. “Tennis is often seen as a luxurious sport, but Novak’s supporters are ordinary individuals with regular jobs who may not always afford tickets to see him play,” she pointed out. She described the heartwarming encounters they have on the streets, where construction workers and everyday people enthusiastically greet him, saying, “Hey, Novak!” This connection, she believes, fuels his passion and determination.
“Even though he has already achieved everything, his greatest victory is being a champion of the people,” Jelena concluded. “Yes, he is the people’s champion.”
When discussing their children, her warmth shines through as she reveals that Stefan and Tara aren’t shy about their father’s accomplishments. “They are very young, so they don’t understand a lot of important things that he represents for people, but they do understand that he is a hard worker and is highly respected,” she said. Their awareness grows as they witness the admiration Novak receives during their travels, often declaring, “You know who my dad is.”
Jelena humorously described this as a form of childish bragging, but it’s also part of their learning experience through the work of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. “This is what Novak wants as well—for his legacy to change the world for children. He once had a dream as a child and achieved it,” she noted.
Devoted to various projects associated with the foundation, Jelena hopes that her husband’s legacy will serve as a source of inspiration, promoting a vision of peace and positivity for future generations.