‘Not My Business’- Novak Djokovic’s Wife Jelena Gets Brutally Honest About Supporting Her Husband’s Career Amid Family Priorities

Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic expressed a desire to focus on his personal life by withdrawing from the Miami Open. He explained that he wanted to maintain a balance between “his private and professional schedule”. However, now, his wife has recently revealed that she is happy to stay home with their children while he continues his career. And how the family of four is helping the 24 Grand Slam champion last “longer” in the sport.

Jelena Djokovic is a mother of two and a committed humanitarian, working to better the lives of underprivileged children in Serbia. However, she always finds time in her hectic schedule to encourage her husband, supporting him at a few tennis matches from the stands. The most memorable from this year was at Paris Olympics. In a conversation with La Nacion, a Spanish publication, she was asked, “your role in the foundation and raising your children allows you to travel less with Novak for tournaments, right?

To which she responded, “Yes, I’m travelling less now. I’m travelling less because of the kids. There are so many tournaments and yet his career is still going on. He’s now choosing the right places to go. It’s not my business. He’ll do what he wants for as long as he wants. I support him. And the kids love what he does and are very proud of him. In fact, if we can help him stay longer, we will.” 

Let’s put the right places into perspective. During an interview with the ATP ahead of his return at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, Djokovic spoke on his 2025 schedule, “I have to repeat the same thing as said, so my main focus is the slams and playing for my country. That’s what drives me most, which, of course, doesn’t mean that I won’t play Masters events.” Further emphasizing,“Probably not all of them, but I’ll work on my schedule for next season, and then I’ll see where it kind of fits my professional and private life schedule. I’ll pick and choose where I want to play.”

The couple, who have been married for nearly two decades, are proud parents of two vivacious children: Stefan, 10, and Tara, 7. As their kids have gotten older, Stefan and Tara have often been seen enjoying the thrilling atmosphere of professional tennis while watching matches from their father’s player box. This year, his children witnessed their father’s Olympic gold medal win. But do they already understand what their father symbolizes?

Jelena acknowledges that their children don’t fully grasp the magnitude of their father’s influence in the world of tennis. “They see it when they travel and encounter many fans; they notice the attention he receives. Sometimes I heard them saying, ‘My daddy is famous.’ “It’s a kind of childish boasting, but they are also learning its deeper meaning through the foundation’s work. This is what Novak aims for too, to change the world for children,” she added.

Even with his hectic schedule, Novak Djokovic treasures the time he spends with his kids and frequently shares touching stories about their time together. He says that music is important in his relationship with his children. How?

Novak Djokovic has a musical band with his kids, Stefan and Tara

Djokovic’s jokingly imitating a violinist earlier this year elevated his celebrations following his stunning Wimbledon victory. In a candid interview, he disclosed that his daughter Tara, who is learning to play the violin, served as the inspiration for this special celebration. But there’s more to the story.

When talking about his family’s musical proclivities, Novak revealed, “Tara plays the violin, Stefan loves to play the guitar, and I play the saxophone. Sometimes our jams last for hours, and it’s my favorite part of the day or trip.” Humorously, he hinted that his success at the US Open and the achievement of his twenty-fourth Grand Slam championship might have been influenced by his “little band”.

While Djokovic expertly balances his on-court commitments with his growing legacy in tennis, Jelena gracefully manages life off the court, nurturing their children and supporting Novak’s journey. Together, they exemplify a partnership that thrives on mutual respect and shared responsibilities. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Jelena’s recent take? Do let us know in the comment section below.