Jelena Djokovic’s spectacular statements on how she has experienced her husband’s success and what she believes will be the legacy he leaves when he retires from tennis.
A few days ago, we enjoyed the great interview that LA NACIÓN did with Novak Djokovic. Today, we applaud the Argentine media once again for following up that conversation with one of equal stature with Jelena Ristic, the Serbian’s wife. She’s one of those people who have always been there, accompanying the champion on his journey from entering the circuit to reaching the top. Currently heading his Foundation, Jelena has continuously been the unwavering support for the Belgrade tennis star, so there’s no one better to hear analyzing her husband firsthand and exposing the keys to breaking all records. Below, we highlight her most interesting statements.
Foundation’s Objective
“Our mission is to include as many children as possible in early childhood education. These programs are designed for children aged 0 to 6, to help them become healthy adults. We achieve this by opening kindergartens because in Serbia, there are not as many as we would like. We also train teachers and even educate parents if the children stay with them instead of going to school for any reason.”
Being Novak Djokovic’s Children
“Both Stefan and Tara understand that their father is a hard worker, someone highly respected. They see it when they travel and encounter many fans; they notice the attention he receives. Sometimes I heard them saying, ‘My daddy is famous.’ It’s a kind of childish boasting, but they are also learning its deeper meaning through the foundation’s work. This is what Novak aims for too, to change the world for children.”
Her Role in the Team
“I now travel less due to the children; there are many tournaments, and Novak’s career is ongoing. He is now selecting the right places to go, which is not my concern. He will do what he wants for as long as he wants. The kids love what he does, and I support him; we are very proud of him. In fact, if we can help him stay longer, we will.”
Emotion after the Gold in Paris
“I was in the stands crying with happiness, thinking about what would come next. The Olympic gold was a very challenging goal to achieve; it took him a long time, but I am certain he won’t stop here. Novak is a giant in mental and spiritual capacity; it is an honor to live with him and have had the opportunity to be inspired by him.”
A Legendary Career
“For me, it has been a fairy tale. I could not have imagined all this; it was an impossible dream, something he envisioned as a child. The truth is there were very few people in his path to help him, but he was always a mental giant. I think he found a purpose in this; he wasn’t seeking material numbers, he found something more. That’s why he could achieve much more than anyone expected.”
Novak’s Legacy
“I like to see him as a champion of ordinary people, not the wealthy. He is an ordinary man from a very simple, hardworking, and dreaming family. Traveling the world, I have seen many people inspired by his story because they are similar to him. So, tennis is a very luxurious sport, but Novak’s fans are normal people with normal jobs. When you walk down the street, you see everyone stopping him; it gives him a lot of power and energy to keep going. Even though he has achieved everything, I believe his greatest victory is being the champion of the people.”
