Novak Djokovic informed his wife’s parents that he was destined for tennis greatness – at just 17 years of age. The Serbian icon has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles in a glittering career that has spanned 22 years and continues to roll on.
The 38-year-old has had wife Jelena by his side for much of his career with the pair beginning their relationship in 2005, just two years after Djokovic turned professional. Fast forward two decades, the couple have been married for 11 years and share two children, son Stefan, 10, and daughter Tara, seven. Djokovic’s first major title came in 2008 when he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win the Australian Open. Just 21 years old when he achieved his maiden Grand Slam, his belief that he’d not only achieve the top honours in tennis but also excel is a characteristic that the Serb has long possessed.
In a new book by Sportal, titled Novak: Untold Stories, the story of Djokovic’s life and career is discussed by the likes of his parents, Srdan and Dijana, his younger brother Dorde, as well as friends and national team colleagues. Among those who contributed to the book is Semir Osmanagic, a Bosnian businessman and author.
Djokovic has long meditated on the Pyramids in Visoko, which Osmanagic has controversially claimed are the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth and has promoted tourism there. A huge admirer of Djokovic’s perseverance and self-belief, Osmanagic said the tennis great made sure to voice his ambitions when meeting his wife’s parents for the first time.
He said: “When he met them, Nole said, ‘I am Novak Djokovic, the future world champion in tennis.’ And he was only 17 years old. So he knew about his potential, he was confident that he would achieve everything he talked about.
“And that is the difference between him and many other tennis players, but also all other athletes. He knew from the start and thus set an example for others how to reach the top.”
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Djokovic certainly made good on his promise and went far and beyond with the achievements he earned throughout his career. While he’s gone without a Grand Slam title since the 2023 US Open, he remains one of the world’s best players in his twilight years. In his last five ATP Tour tournaments, he’s reached the semi-finals of each one and even earned a 100th tour victory at the Geneva Open in May when defeating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
Having last appeared at the Six Kings Slam, where he lost to Jannik Sinner and retired during his match with Taylor Fritz, Djokovic is set to return to action on Tuesday at the Hellenic Championship in Greece. Djokovic – who reportedly moved to Athens with his family – will enter the tournament as the number-one seed, and a win in the European nation would make it 19 countries where the Serb has won a tournament.