Who is Novak Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia, Djokovic has achieved unparalleled success, including a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles and 99 ATP singles titles. He is the only male player to have completed a triple Career Grand Slam and has held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 428 weeks. Beyond his on-court achievements, Djokovic is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education. As of 2025, he continues to compete at the highest levels, demonstrating remarkable longevity and dedication to the sport.
🧒 Early Life and Education
Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, then part of Yugoslavia (now Serbia). Raised during the turbulent period of the Yugoslav wars, Djokovic’s early life was marked by significant hardship and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, it was evident from a young age that Novak had extraordinary athletic potential.
His parents, Srdjan and Dijana Djokovic, owned a family business which included a pizzeria and a sports equipment business. Novak grew up with two younger brothers, Marko and Djordje, both of whom would also pursue professional tennis careers, although without achieving Novak’s level of success.
Djokovic was introduced to tennis at the age of four. When he was six, during a summer tennis camp in the Serbian mountain resort of Kopaonik, he caught the eye of tennis coach Jelena Genčić, who immediately recognized his talent. She mentored him for six years, describing him as “the greatest talent she had seen since Monica Seles.”
Recognizing his immense potential, Djokovic moved abroad to receive more intensive training. At 12 years old, he was sent to the prestigious Pilić Tennis Academy in Oberschleißheim, Germany, under the guidance of Nikola Pilić, a former Grand Slam finalist. Balancing tennis training and education, Djokovic was homeschooled during periods of intense travel and competition but always prioritized his development both on and off the court.
🏠 Personal Life
Off the court, Novak Djokovic is known for his vibrant personality, philosophical outlook on life, and strong personal beliefs, including a commitment to wellness, spirituality, and healthy living. Djokovic follows a strict gluten-free, plant-based diet, and he has often credited his dietary changes as a major reason behind his physical endurance and late-career resurgence.
He is married to his longtime girlfriend, Jelena Ristić, whom he met in high school. The two became engaged in September 2013 and were married on July 10, 2014, in a ceremony held on Sveti Stefan, a small islet and hotel resort in Montenegro.
Together, Novak and Jelena have two children: a son named Stefan (born October 2014) and a daughter named Tara (born September 2017). Djokovic often speaks about the profound joy and sense of purpose his family brings to his life, frequently dedicating victories to his wife and children.
Beyond family, Djokovic enjoys meditation, hiking, and reading. His personal beliefs emphasize gratitude, mindfulness, and positivity, and he is deeply involved in charitable endeavors through his foundation, focused on early childhood education.
👨👩👦 Family
Novak Djokovic comes from a very supportive and entrepreneurial family. His father, Srdjan Djokovic, had a background in skiing and managed a fast-food restaurant and sporting goods business. His mother, Dijana Djokovic, played a crucial role in his early life, nurturing his tennis passion and providing emotional support through the highs and lows of his youth career.
Djokovic’s younger brothers, Marko and Djordje, also pursued careers in tennis but did not achieve the same success. Nevertheless, the family has remained tightly knit, with Novak frequently expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
The Djokovic family played an active role in shaping Novak’s early tennis career, often making sacrifices to fund his international travels and coaching needs, especially during times when Serbia’s economy was struggling.
Today, Djokovic remains close to his family, often referencing them as his “biggest inspiration” and “constant source of strength.”
🧬 Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Novak Djokovic |
| Native Name | Новак Ђоковић (Novak Đoković) |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Parents | Srdjan Djokovic (father), Dijana Djokovic (mother) |
| Siblings | Marko Djokovic, Djordje Djokovic (both former professional tennis players) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Playing Style | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2003 |
| Current Coach | Andy Murray |
| Residence | Belgrade, Serbia; Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Career Prize Money | $186,933,983 (as of April 2025) |
| Current ATP Ranking | No. 5 (as of March 17, 2025) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $250 million |
| Official Website | novakdjokovic.com |
🎾 Career
Novak Djokovic turned professional in 2003, and by 2006, he had broken into the Top 40 of the ATP rankings. His first ATP title came in 2006 in Amersfoort, Netherlands. However, it was in 2008 that Djokovic announced himself as a serious contender by winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Djokovic’s career can be segmented into several distinct eras:
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Rise to Prominence (2006–2010): Djokovic established himself as a member of the “Big Three” alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He consistently reached the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments and captured key titles.
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Golden Era (2011–2016): This period is widely regarded as one of the greatest stretches in tennis history. Djokovic won 11 Grand Slam titles and became known for his incredible consistency, mental toughness, and all-court versatility. In 2015, he won three out of four Grand Slams and reached the final of the fourth.
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Comeback (2018–2021): After struggling with injuries and form in 2017, Djokovic made a spectacular comeback, winning multiple majors and completing a second Career Grand Slam with his 2018 French Open title.
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Historic Achievements (2021–Present): Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title in 2023, a record-breaking feat for men’s tennis. He also finished 2023 and 2024 competing closely with rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, proving his longevity and resilience in a new generation of tennis.
As of April 2025, Djokovic holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, has spent the most weeks as World No. 1 (428 weeks), and remains in the top 5 of the ATP rankings. He is one of only a few players to complete a Career Golden Masters (winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 events).
Djokovic’s game is defined by his:
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Extraordinary flexibility
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Exceptional return of serve
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Mental toughness
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Ability to adapt to different surfaces (hard court, clay, and grass)
His relentless competitiveness and strategic intelligence have secured his place among the greatest athletes of all time, not just within tennis but across all sports.
🎾 Novak Djokovic Career Highlights Table
| Year | Tournament/Title | Achievement/Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Turned Professional | Began career on the ATP Tour |
| 2006 | Dutch Open (Amersfoort) | Won his first ATP singles title |
| 2008 | Australian Open | Won first Grand Slam title |
| 2011 | Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open | Won three Grand Slam titles in a single year; finished World No. 1 for the first time |
| 2015 | Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open | Reached all four Grand Slam finals; won three; dominated ATP season |
| 2016 | French Open | Completed Career Grand Slam (all four majors) |
| 2018 | Wimbledon | Made a comeback after injury, winning 13th Grand Slam title |
| 2019 | Australian Open, Wimbledon | Continued dominance with two more Grand Slam titles |
| 2021 | Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon | Won three Grand Slams; came close to achieving Calendar Grand Slam |
| 2023 | US Open | Secured 24th Grand Slam title, most in men’s tennis history |
| 2024 | Year-End Ranking | Finished in Top 5 ATP Rankings at age 37 |
| 2025 | Active | Competing on ATP Tour; chasing 100th career title |
Quick Career Summary:
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Grand Slam Titles: 24 (most in men’s tennis history)
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ATP Masters 1000 Titles: 40 (record)
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Weeks at World No. 1: 428 (record)
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Career Titles: 99 ATP singles titles
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Career Grand Slam: Achieved (twice)
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Olympics: Bronze Medal (2008 Beijing)
🏋️ Physical Appearance
Novak Djokovic stands at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and maintains a lean physique, weighing approximately 170 pounds (77 kilograms). His athletic build contributes to his agility and endurance on the court. Known for his flexibility and balance, Djokovic’s physical attributes have been integral to his defensive skills and ability to transition seamlessly between offense and defense during matches.
📱 Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| @djokernole | |
| @DjokerNole | |
| Novak Djokovic | |
| YouTube | Novak Djokovic Official |
📰 Latest News (April 2025)
As of April 26, 2025, Novak Djokovic is set to commence his campaign at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, marking his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus. The 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend will face Italian player Matteo Arnaldi in the second round, aiming to secure his 100th ATP Tour-level title. This match represents their first-ever meeting on the professional circuit.
Djokovic’s return to Madrid has garnered significant attention, especially following a recent practice session where he expressed visible frustration, exclaiming, “F**k sports, tennis, and everything else!” This outburst has sparked discussions about his mental state and unwavering drive, even at this stage of his illustrious career.
Despite recent challenges, including early exits in Monte Carlo and Indian Wells, Djokovic remains a formidable presence on the court. His participation in Madrid is seen as a crucial step in his preparation for Roland Garros, where he aims to further cement his legacy.
The atmosphere at the Caja Mágica is electric, with fans eager to witness Djokovic’s performance and potential milestone achievement. His match against Arnaldi is scheduled for later today, promising an exciting encounter as the tournament unfolds.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Novak Djokovic’s estimated net worth is around $250 million. This wealth stems from his illustrious tennis career, including record-breaking prize money earnings totaling over $186 million. Additionally, Djokovic has secured lucrative endorsement deals with global brands and has invested in various business ventures. His philanthropic endeavors, particularly through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, also highlight his commitment to giving back to the community.
FAQS
Does Novak have celiac disease?
🔹 No, Novak Djokovic does not have celiac disease, but he has a strong gluten sensitivity and follows a strict gluten-free diet to improve his health and performance.
Who has beaten Novak Djokovic the most?
🔹 Rafael Nadal has beaten Novak Djokovic the most, with 29 victories against him in their legendary rivalry.
What religion does Djokovic belong to?
🔹 Novak Djokovic is a Serbian Orthodox Christian and is known for his deep spiritual beliefs and practices.
Is Novak Djokovic fluent in English?
🔹 Yes, Novak Djokovic is fluent in English and often conducts interviews, speeches, and public appearances in English with ease.
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