5 Surprising Facts About Jelena Djokovic: More Than Just Novak's Wife In 2025

Jelena Djokovic, the wife of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, is a powerhouse in her own right, transcending the typical "WAG" label to become a respected CEO, dedicated philanthropist, and a key figure in her husband’s career. Her influence extends far beyond the tennis court, focusing on global initiatives in early childhood education and managing the couple’s vast charitable empire. As of late 2025, she continues to be a driving force behind the Novak Djokovic Foundation, ensuring the legacy of the Djokovic name is tied to profound social impact. The public often sees her in the stands, offering unwavering support—such as her recent online show of affection during Novak’s pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam at the 2025 US Open—but her daily work is centered on transforming the lives of children in Serbia and beyond. Her journey from a high school sweetheart in Belgrade to a globally recognized business leader is a compelling narrative of ambition, dedication, and shared values with one of the world's most successful athletes.

Jelena Djokovic: The Complete Biography and Profile

Jelena Djokovic (née Ristic) is a Serbian business executive and humanitarian who has built a formidable career parallel to her husband's unprecedented success in tennis. Her life story is a testament to academic rigor and a deep commitment to philanthropy, particularly in the realm of early childhood development.

• Full Name: Jelena Djokovic (née Ristic)
• Date of Birth: June 17, 1986
• Place of Birth: Belgrade, Serbia (then SFR Yugoslavia)
• Nationality: Serbian
• Marital Status: Married to Novak Djokovic (since July 2014)
• Children: Son, Stefan (born October 2014); Daughter, Tara (born September 2017)
• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
  • Master's Degree in Luxury Goods and Services from the International University of Monaco.
• Primary Role: Global CEO and Co-founder of the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF).
• Notable Achievements: Instrumental in the NDF's shift to focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) in 2012.

From High School Sweethearts to a $260 Million Power Couple

The relationship between Novak and Jelena is one of the most enduring love stories in professional sports, a partnership forged long before Novak became a global icon. They met as teenagers in the 1990s while attending the same high school in Belgrade, Serbia. Their bond deepened over a shared passion for tennis, as both were aspiring players in their youth. They began officially dating in 2005, a pivotal time when Novak was just 18 and beginning his ascent on the ATP Tour. This early stage of their relationship was marked by long-distance challenges, with Jelena moving to Milan, Italy, to pursue her degree in Business Administration at Bocconi University while Novak traveled the world for tournaments. The couple got engaged in September 2013 and married in a beautiful ceremony in July 2014, shortly after Novak won his second Wimbledon title. The wedding took place on Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, a location reportedly inspiring the name of their first child, Stefan, who was born a few months later in October 2014. Their daughter, Tara, arrived in September 2017, completing their family. Their combined financial success is staggering; by 2025, their joint net worth is estimated to be around $260 million, a figure reflecting not only Novak’s on-court earnings but also Jelena’s business acumen and leadership of the family’s philanthropic endeavors.

The CEO and Philanthropist: Jelena's Life Beyond the Court

Jelena Djokovic is far from a passive spectator in her husband’s life; she is a highly educated and active business leader who has dedicated her career to social change. Her academic background, featuring a Master's in Luxury Goods and Services from the International University of Monaco, provides a strong foundation for her executive role. As the Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF), Jelena spearheads the organization's mission to transform the lives of children in Serbia, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The NDF, founded in 2007, refocused its efforts in 2012 to concentrate specifically on Early Childhood Development (ECD). This strategic shift was driven by the belief that the first years of a child's life are crucial for their development and future success. The foundation's work involves numerous concrete projects, including building and renovating preschools, providing grants to educational initiatives, and running programs to empower families and educators. Jelena has described herself as an "open-minded apprentice of life with never-satiating hunger for knowledge," a philosophy she applies directly to the NDF's goal of investing in quality early childhood education. Her commitment to the NDF is a full-time job, and she is often seen traveling, speaking at conferences, and meeting with global leaders to advocate for ECD. This work has established her as a prominent humanitarian figure, moving her firmly out of her husband's shadow and into the spotlight as an impactful social entrepreneur.

The Unseen Support: How Jelena Shaped Novak's Career

Jelena’s influence on Novak’s career is one of the most compelling aspects of their partnership, extending beyond emotional support to tangible, career-defining moments. In recent years, Jelena has been credited with providing the crucial emotional and philosophical support that helped Novak avoid early retirement. During a period of struggle and injury a few years ago, it was Jelena and their children who helped him rediscover his motivation, proving her right that he still had much to offer the sport. This demonstrates her deep understanding of his mental and emotional state, acting as a true partner in his professional journey. Furthermore, she is not afraid to interact with Novak even during public events, as evidenced by her recent interruption of his press conference at the Hellenic Championship. While the nature of the interruption was a lighthearted personal request, it highlighted the natural, unscripted dynamic of their long-standing relationship. Jelena’s presence, whether through an online message of support during the 2025 US Open or her physical attendance at major tournaments, is a constant reminder of the solid, grounded family life that underpins Novak’s relentless pursuit of tennis history. She is the anchor that allows the world’s most decorated male tennis player to focus on breaking records while she manages the family’s legacy and philanthropic future.

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