Novak Djokovic’s wife Jelena is a ‘curious soul’ who believes that children are the ‘best teachers’
When Novak Djokovic stormed to victory in the French Open final against Casper Ruud yesterday, he was cheered by his staunchest supporter – his wife.
Jelena Djokovic, 36, was caught in the stands next to NFL legend Tom Brady as her husband, whom she married in 2014, won his 23rd slam title, becoming the first man to do so.
The high-stakes match is just the latest nerve-wracking finale Jelena has attended to support Novak, with whom she shares two children: Stefan, eight, and Tara, five.
But as always, entrepreneur Jelena seemed to keep her calm, cheering on her husband of nine years.
And given what appears to be a packed schedule and busy lifestyle, her calm demeanor is a great asset.
Jelena Djokovic (pictured at Wimbledon in July 2022) married tennis star Novak Djokovic in 2014
The 36-year-old is regularly photographed supporting her husband as he plays nerve-racking tennis matches (Photo: The Djokovics celebrate after Novak wins his 23rd slam title – the French Open – on June 11)
In addition to sharing an ability to stay calm during stressful moments, Jelena and Novak — who began dating in 2005 before getting engaged in 2013 — share the same outlook on life and philanthropy.
For example, she is the director of their charity, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which aims to help children reach their full potential by investing in early childhood development, especially early childhood education.
She is a strong advocate for children and spoke at the International Conference on Child Safety last October.
Jelena said, “When we abuse a small child, we yell at him, condemn, label, beat, we don’t understand, we don’t support… what kind of response to life challenges and injustices can we expect from a grown man of those which he himself learned when he came into the world?’
This philanthropic work is what she considers one of the “most important” things she and her athlete husband have done.
In a Serbian-language YouTube interview with Al Jazeer-a, she said, “One of the most important things Novak and I have put time, energy and money into is charity work. And it’s been that way for half our lives.’
Jelena has spoken out several times about her belief in children, once writing online that she would like to be remembered as “a curious soul who loves life and a lifetime of learning” – and the greatest teachers are children.
She added: “I live by values like gratitude, honesty, respect, kindness, forgiveness and love and try to put them into practice in everything I do. One of the hardest lessons I hope to learn and practice every day in my life is how to love myself completely.”
Novak Djokovic, wife Jelena and children Tara and Stefan pose for a photo with tennis legend Venus Williams
Novak and Jelena began dating in 2005 before getting engaged in 2013 (Pictured: The couple at the 2022 US Open)
She is also known for some of their more controversial or unusual opinions, for example Jelena’s love of spirituality and meditation, which she discusses at length on her blogging.
In addition to her other beliefs, Jelena once shared an exposed video on Instagram claiming that 5G caused the coronavirus pandemic.
However, she later said she was not claiming that the baseless theory is “true or not.”
Jelena has described herself as “misunderstood and completely unappreciated,” adding that she’s “changing and transforming at such a pace that it’s really hard to label or pigeonhole me.” I am everywhere and nowhere.’
One of Jelena’s great beliefs is a philosophy shared by many – the power of meditation.
Jelena Djokovic (pictured at Wimbledon in 2022) has spoken out about her spiritual opinions, including her belief in meditation
And Jelena has described herself as “misunderstood and completely appreciated,” adding that she “changes and transforms at such a pace that it’s really hard to label or pigeonhole me.” I’m everywhere and nowhere’
According to the tennis WAG, the charity work she does with her husband is one of the “most important” things they have accomplished (Pictured: The pair attend the Wimbledon Champions Dinner at The Guildhall, London, in 2015)
Jelena’s husband Novak (pictured during an exercise class) also has some controversial and interesting beliefs
In another post, she said, “The goal is to understand the calm mind, happiness, and gratitude of your soul and transfer it to all areas of your life and all the relationships you have.”
She added that there is power in nature when it comes to meditation.
Jelena wrote: ‘I like being alone in nature. All alone. But I have to admit that when I arrive I feel a wave of fear wash over me at first because I know I’m an intruder. For some I may be prey too.’
And her husband is also no stranger to some controversial and interesting beliefs.
On the field, Djokovic has become known for his athleticism and he claims much of this success is down to going gluten-free.
The switch came after nutritionist Dr Igor Cetojevic held a piece of white bread to his abdomen in 2010, where he felt “noticeably weaker”.
LOVED UP: Novak Djokovic relaxes with Jelena after an exhibition doubles at the 2020 Adria Tour charity exhibition
The pair seem to have a strong bond, as well as a number of beliefs, including the importance of their charitable work
He’s also been accused of being anti-vaccine in the past, but says, “My problem here with vaccines is whether someone is forcing me to put something in my body that I don’t want.”
Serbian-born Jelena started dating Novak in 2005 and the pair both moved to Italy to attend university.
After graduating, they settled in Monaco, where they now live with their two children.
Their son Stefan was born in October 2014 and daughter Tara in September 2017.
After winning the 2016 French Open, Djokovic became the third man to hold all four major titles simultaneously.