Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar, is a name that resonates worldwide, not only for his incredible achievements on the court but also for his remarkable persona off it. Djokovic has long been an open book about his personal life, sharing moments with his fans that reveal his journey as both a tennis champion and a loving father. However, it wasn’t until recently that his children, Stefan and Tara, opened up for the first time about their wonderful father. What made the moment even more intriguing was their mother Jelena Djokovic’s unexpected and heartwarming reaction.
To most people, Novak Djokovic is a tennis legend, holding an astonishing number of Grand Slam titles and consistently ranking among the best in the world. However, to his children, he’s simply “Dad.” For the first time, Stefan (8) and Tara (6) have shared their perspective on what it’s like to grow up with such a high-profile father, and their words have touched the hearts of many.
In an exclusive interview with a European magazine, the two kids spoke candidly about the daily life they share with Novak. Stefan said, “Dad is always fun and makes us laugh. He’s silly and plays with us when he’s home.” Tara, on the other hand, added, “I like when Dad tells us bedtime stories. He’s a good storyteller.” Both kids highlighted their father’s dedication, not just to his sport but also to his role as a father.
While Novak spends a significant portion of the year traveling for tournaments, he prioritizes spending quality time with his children whenever possible. “When he’s not playing tennis, he’s just Dad to us,” said Stefan. This sentiment offers a glimpse into the more private side of Djokovic’s life, contrasting with the fierce competitor the world sees on court.
Novak has always emphasized the importance of family and balance. In interviews, he frequently talks about how his family keeps him grounded. Despite the demanding schedule of a top-tier athlete, Novak is deeply involved in his children’s lives. “I want my kids to understand that tennis is important, but family always comes first,” Djokovic has often shared in interviews. This mindset reflects his desire to create a healthy and loving environment for his children, helping them grow up with a sense of stability.
His children, in their own words, seem to echo this sentiment. “He doesn’t get angry at us; he teaches us things with patience,” Tara said. Stefan, being older, also chimed in, mentioning how his father has taught him the importance of hard work and kindness. “Dad always says, ‘Be kind and work hard, but don’t forget to smile.’ I like that.”
While Novak’s parenting style has always been admired, Jelena’s response to the children sharing their thoughts publicly was what truly captured everyone’s attention. Jelena, who is known for her support and devotion to both her husband and children, was present during the interview. Initially, her reaction was one of surprise, as she hadn’t expected Stefan and Tara to be so open and expressive about their relationship with their father.
When asked about her husband’s parenting, Jelena shared a heartfelt reflection. “Novak is not only an amazing athlete but also an amazing father. I am constantly in awe of how he balances everything so well,” she said. However, it was her emotional reaction to hearing her children’s words that was most surprising.
With tears in her eyes, Jelena admitted, “I didn’t expect them to speak so eloquently and lovingly about their father. We often think our kids are too young to fully understand everything, but they see more than we give them credit for. Hearing their words was both surprising and touching. It reminded me of how lucky we are as a family.”
This moment of raw emotion from Jelena showed the world a different side of her—one of vulnerability and pride in the family she and Novak have built together. It was a powerful reminder of the love and unity that exists in the Djokovic household, beyond the fame and accolades.
Jelena Djokovic has always been the rock that supports Novak, both in his career and as a father. As the CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on providing education and support to children in Serbia, Jelena is a powerful figure in her own right. However, she often puts her role as a mother first, making sure that Stefan and Tara grow up with the right values.
She spoke about the balance they maintain in their family life. “It’s important to me that the kids don’t feel the pressure of Novak’s fame. I want them to grow up knowing that it’s okay to be themselves, to make mistakes, and to learn. Novak and I are very much aligned in how we raise them.”
Her partnership with Novak is clearly a strong one, based on mutual respect and a shared vision for their family. “We’ve always supported each other in every way,” Jelena said. “I’ve been with him through the highs and lows of his career, but at home, we’re just mom and dad.”
The Djokovic family is undoubtedly one of the most admired in the world of sports. Their love and support for each other is evident, not only in how Novak talks about his family but also in how Jelena and their children feel about him. The recent sharing of Stefan and Tara’s experiences has opened a new window into their close-knit relationship, offering fans a more intimate look at the family behind the tennis legend.
Novak’s dedication to his children is evident in their words. As a father, he is deeply involved, playful, and loving, while Jelena’s reaction shows just how proud she is of the bond they all share. It’s a testament to their family values, which have always prioritized love, kindness, and mutual respect over everything else.
As Novak Djokovic continues to make history on the tennis courts, it’s clear that his most significant accomplishment lies off the court—in the family he has built with Jelena. The touching words of their children and Jelena’s emotional reaction remind us all that behind every great athlete, there is often an even greater family. This story offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the world’s greatest athletes and shows the love that unites them all.
