Who Is Jelena Djokovic? Facts About Novak Djokovic's Wife

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Novak Djokovic may be one of the most celebrated tennis players of all time, but behind his remarkable career is a woman who has been by his side long before the trophies, records and global fame. Jelena Djokovic has grown with him from their teenage years in Serbia into a wife, mother, entrepreneur and philanthropist with a career of her own.

So, who is Jelena Djokovic, the woman frequently seen supporting the Serbian tennis star from the stands? From their high school romance and 2014 wedding to her work in business and early childhood education, here is what to know about Novak Djokovic's wife, according to InStyle.

Who Is Jelena Djokovic?

Jelena Djokovic is the wife of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and a businesswoman and philanthropist who has built a career of her own.

Born Jelena Ristic on June 17, 1986, in Belgrade, Serbia, she grew up with her sister, Marija. Jelena has spoken about wanting to study abroad from a young age and worked hard to secure scholarships because her parents could not afford to fund her education overseas.

She eventually studied luxury brand management at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, before earning a master's degree at the International University of Monaco.

As reported by InStyle, Jelena's professional career has included work in human resources, consulting and media. She later founded Original Magazin, a digital platform focused on personal growth, entrepreneurship and values-led living.

Today, she is best known for her work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, where she serves as co-founder and global CEO.

How Did Jelena Djokovic Meet Novak Djokovic?

Jelena and Novak Djokovic met while attending the same high school in Belgrade in the late 1990s. They began dating in 2005, when Jelena was a student and Novak was developing his professional tennis career.

Their relationship was not always easy, particularly because Jelena studied in Milan while Novak traveled extensively for tennis.

As reported by InStyle, Jelena recalled that the couple had limited financial resources during the early years of their relationship and had to find creative ways to meet while pursuing their respective ambitions.

Their relationship eventually grew into a partnership that has lasted for more than two decades.

When Did Jelena and Novak Djokovic Get Married?

Novak proposed to Jelena in September 2013, and the couple married on July 10, 2014, at the Aman Sveti Stefan resort in Montenegro.

Jelena was pregnant with their first child when they married.

Their wedding took place shortly after Novak won his second Wimbledon title that year. He defeated Roger Federer in the final to claim his seventh Grand Slam championship.

Jelena wore a custom wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Novak has repeatedly credited Jelena with supporting him throughout his career. In a 2026 interview with People, he described her as his "rock" and said her support made it possible for him to maintain a demanding tennis schedule while raising their family.

Do Jelena and Novak Djokovic Have Children?

Jelena and Novak have two children, a son named Stefan and a daughter named Tara.

Stefan was born in October 2014, several months after his parents' wedding, while Tara was born in September 2017.

The children have frequently been seen supporting their father at major tennis tournaments, including from his players' box.

According to Elle, Novak has also spoken about how becoming a father changed his perspective and credited his children with teaching him to stay present and enjoy life.

What Does Jelena Djokovic Do?

Jelena Djokovic has pursued a career in business, consulting, media and philanthropy rather than simply remaining known as Novak Djokovic's wife.

She previously worked as a human resources coordinator at energy company Tamoil SAM before establishing Jelena Ristic Consulting in Monaco in 2011. The company focused on brand strategy and digital marketing.

She later founded Original Magazin in 2015, a digital platform centered on personal development, entrepreneurship and values-driven living.

Her most prominent role is with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education in Serbia.

The foundation's official website identifies Jelena as its co-founder and global CEO. The organization develops early childhood education projects and provides grants to educational initiatives in Serbia.

As reported by Bocconi University, Jelena has also played a leading role in managing the foundation, which was established to help children access quality education.

Why Is Jelena Djokovic Important to Novak Djokovic's Career?

Jelena has been a constant presence throughout Novak Djokovic's rise from a young Serbian tennis prospect to one of the most successful players in tennis history.

Their relationship began before Djokovic became a global sporting star, and Jelena has remained involved in his life while developing her own professional and philanthropic work.

Her role extends beyond supporting Novak from the stands. Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, she has also focused on early childhood education and helping children in Serbia.

The couple's partnership has therefore developed alongside Djokovic's tennis career, family life and philanthropic efforts, making Jelena an important figure both in his personal life and in the work carried out through their foundation.