"Novak draws energy from ordinary people": Jelena Djokovic praises her husband’s connection with fans

Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 20:30

Jelena Djokovic, wife of Novak, spoke about witnessing her husband’s success up close and the love he receives from people on a daily basis. Jelena has been managing the Novak Djokovic Foundation for years and has been a key figure in the success of the most decorated tennis player in history.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion recently won a gold medal for Serbia at the Olympic Games, securing the last title missing from his incredible career.

"The people's champion!" - Jelena Djokovic

For Jelena, one of the main aspects to highlight about her husband is the appreciation he receives from ordinary people, even though tennis is considered a 'luxurious sport.' "When we look at what is happening in the world, tennis is such a small prism of life, but it brings happiness to people. It brings joy. It brings hope," she said.

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“And there is something like that that he wants to leave. I like to see him as a champion of the common people. Not of the rich people. Because he is a common man who comes from a very simple family, from a family of workers and dreamers,” Jelena said.

"And traveling around the world, you see a lot of people who are inspired by his story because they are also similar to him. So, tennis is a very luxurious sport, a white sport, a sport of rich people… But Novak’s fans are ordinary people, people with ordinary jobs, and they can’t always afford to have tickets to go see his matches," she added.

Novak Djokovic after winning the Gold Medal at Paris 2024.

"When you walk down the street, and you see the workers who build buildings or whatever, they shout: ‘Hey, Novak!’ Everyone stops him. I think that is what gives him the power and the energy to keep going," she added. "Even though he has already achieved everything, I think his greatest victory is being a champion of the people, yes. He is the people's champion," Jelena said.

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Jelena also stated that her favorite tournament is Wimbledon, where Djokovic has won 7 of his 24 Grand Slam titles, placing him second among historical winners, only behind Roger Federer’s 8 titles.

“I like it a lot. I like it because it’s green, quiet, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And all of us, as a family, spend a lot of time together because we don’t waste time in traffic. We’re just at work, at home, in the park, enjoying time together. It feels like a normal job when we’re at Wimbledon," Jelena said.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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