Biography of Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is one of the most famous tennis players in the world. Fans nicknamed him "The Joker" for his cheerful disposition, and he easily challenged established stars like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. However, his career had both successful periods and moments of clear failure. Experts found Djokovic's matches unpredictable – tournaments could end in either spectacular triumph or crushing defeat.The tennis player was impulsive and inconsistent, sometimes climbing to world number one, then plummeting out of the top five. He also landed at the center of scandals – notably in 2022, when his refusal to get vaccinated against coronavirus forced him to miss several major competitions.
Early Years
Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, which was then the capital of Yugoslavia. His father, Srđan, is of Kosovo-Montenegrin Serbian descent, and his mother, Dijana, is Croatian. The future tennis star grew up in a large family with two younger brothers, Marko and Djordje.His father was passionate about skiing and worked to instill that same love of sports in his sons. Novak loved skiing with his father, but in 1991, when he first picked up a tennis racket, he discovered his true calling.
The coach worked with Novak for the next six years. Djokovic's parents sacrificed a lot for his success. Dijana recalled that sometimes they couldn't afford bread, and the younger sons went hungry because every last dinar went toward sending their eldest to competitions.
Career Beginnings
In 2001, Novak launched his international career with immediate success. At the European Championships, he won in singles, doubles, and team events.Two years later, Djokovic claimed his first Futures tournament back on home soil. In 2004, the 16-year-old represented Serbia and Montenegro in the Davis Cup.
In 2005, Novak debuted in the Grand Slam. At the Australian Open, he fell to tournament favorite Marat Safin. Still, Djokovic broke into the top 100 with strong showings at Wimbledon and the US Open.
In 2006, former Slovak tennis player Marian Vajda became his coach. The Serbian reached his first ATP semi-final, racking up several convincing wins. This shot him into the top 20 and earned him the "Most Improved Player" award.
The following year brought Novak's first Masters title in Miami and victories over elite players Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, and Roger Federer. Djokovic reached the final of a Grand Slam tournament and finished the season ranked third.
Career Peak
Djokovic's breakthrough came in 2008 when he dominated the field at the Australian Open. He became the first Serbian player ever to claim this singles crown. While the rest of the season brought mixed results, Novak still managed to capture Olympic bronze in Beijing.By 2009's close, Djokovic had racked up five more titles with standout performances at Basel, the Paris Masters, and other key events. He ended the year ranked third once more, still chasing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Djokovic capped off 2010 by helping Serbia capture their first-ever Davis Cup. But 2011 would prove to be Novak's breakout year, establishing him as a global tennis superstar. He won the Australian Open for the second time. Djokovic also claimed his 20th ATP singles title and reached the Wimbledon final, where he defeated Rafael Nadal. He also won the US Open. In total, Novak captured three Grand Slams in a single season while banking $10.6 million in prize money. He finished the season as the world number one.
Djokovic bounced back to reclaim the top ranking in 2014, powered by wins at Wimbledon and the ATP World Tour Finals. His coaching staff during this period included German Boris Becker. The 2015 season was successful for the tennis player. He won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. In total, he claimed 11 titles in a year, including three Grand Slam tournaments and six Masters series titles.
But the magic couldn't last forever. In 2016, the tennis player won the Australian Open and Roland Garros. But Wimbledon, the Rio Olympics, and the US Open all ended in crushing disappointment. Novak finished the year ranked second in the world.
The struggles carried over into 2017 for the tennis star. He lost in tournaments and suffered from the aftermath of an elbow injury. Novak made the tough call to prioritize his health over competition, causing him to tumble out of the top 10.
But the following year, Djokovic silenced the doubters. He roared back to form, capturing both Wimbledon and the US Open to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.
2020 brought a moment Djokovic would rather forget when his emotions got the better of him. Frustrated during a disappointing match, he smacked a ball backward, accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat. The official went down coughing, and Djokovic was immediately disqualified, forfeiting all his US Open points and prize money.
The following year brought major controversy. He refused the COVID-19 vaccine, claiming he'd already had the virus and presented a medical exemption when entering Australia. Border officials detained Novak, cancelled his visa, and held him at an immigration hotel. Djokovic was deported and banned from entering the country for three years. The decision was later overturned.
2023 proved far more successful for Novak. The star completed his third "Career Grand Slam," making tennis history as the first player ever to achieve this milestone.
Business
Djokovic's career peak coincided with building his business empire. In 2005, his family founded the company Family Sport in Serbia. His father and uncle made the athlete the face of their enterprise, spanning restaurants, real estate, and sports event management.The company launched a chain of Novak Café locations across the country and purchased the Dutch Open tennis tournament, rebranding it as the Serbia Open. The tournament ran from 2009 to 2013.
Other Activities
The charismatic athlete became a regular on entertainment shows. In 2008, Novak Djokovic hit "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and performed at Eurovision's first semifinal in Belgrade. In 2011, he gave interviews for all top-rated programs, from "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to "Frost Over the World."His professional success landed Novak major advertising deals. Since 2003, he has partnered with Adidas. Seven years later, Djokovic signed with Sergio Tacchini, but disagreements led him to terminate the deal after just one year. In 2012, he became the face of Japanese casual wear giant Uniqlo.
The athlete also served as an ambassador for the Swiss watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet and the car brands Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot.
Personal Life of Novak Djokovic
In 2005, Novak began dating fellow Serbian Jelena Ristic, a childhood friend. She'd also played tennis, and they'd met at sports school. At 19, though, she left sports to study economics at university.The couple married in 2014. Djokovic is a devoted family man who often calls his wife his muse.
Jelena serves as the head of the athlete's charity, the Novak Djokovic Foundation.
For a long time, the Djokovic family lived in Monte Carlo. In 2020, though, they moved to a villa in Marbella, Spain. The property cost the tennis player 10 million dollars.
Novak Djokovic Now
2024 got off to a rough start for Novak Djokovic. For the first time in his career, he lost in the Australian Open semifinals and emotionally called the devastating loss the worst match of his life. Then came more setbacks at the Indian Wells and Monte Carlo Masters.But his victory at the Rome Masters in May brought unexpected problems. He defeated Frenchman Corentin Moutet, and the opponent's fans decided to target "The Joker."
When Djokovic approached the stands to sign autographs, a spectator threw a bottle at him. It struck Djokovic in the head, and he collapsed to the ground. Security personnel quickly helped him off the court.
Later, officials determined that the bottle accidentally fell from the spectator's backpack, with no intent to harm the player. "It was an accident, I'm fine now, resting at the hotel with an ice pack," Novak posted on social media later.
However, there were consequences. The Rome Masters ended in disappointment for the tennis star. "I had no coordination. I was a completely different player compared to two days ago. I need to get checked out and figure out what's happening," the athlete said.
Interesting Facts
- Djokovic is a master of humorous impressions. He has imitated his colleagues many times: Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe, and even Maria Sharapova.
- His playful personality earned him the nickname "The Joker."
- Novak holds the Order of St. Sava of the First Degree, awarded by Serbian Patriarch Irinej in 2011 for his support of churches and monasteries.
- Among Djokovic's best friends are Serbian tennis players Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki, and Ana Ivanovic.
- In 2012, TIME magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
- The tennis star speaks six languages fluently: Serbian, English, German, Italian, Slovak, and French.
- In 2012, Novak had a cameo as himself in the blockbuster "The Expendables 2," though his scene was cut from the final film.
Important Dates in Life
- 2001 – Began international career
- 2003 – Started professional sports
- 2005 – Debuted in Grand Slam
- 2008 – Won the Australian Open
- 2011 – Achieved first "career Grand Slam," became world number one
- 2014 – Married Jelena Ristic
- 2020 – Moved to Spain
- 2021 – Achieved second "career Grand Slam"
- 2022 – Detained in Australia for violating residency rules
- 2023 – Achieved third "career Grand Slam"