Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic relationship story in 2026: Their journey from teenage sweethearts to a lasting marriage, family life and enduring partnership beyond tennis

Tennis and mutual friends helped bring Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic together as children growing up in Serbia. The two slowly built a relationship, as friends initially, before they decided to date officially in 2005.The couple also had to deal with the difficulties of distance as Djokovic continued to play professional tennis while Jelena studied in Italy. Together they began a journey that would see them married and raising a family, with Jelena carving out her own role through the Novak Djokovic Foundation.Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic’s love story in 2026Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic’s love story started long before the Serbian tennis star became a global sporting icon; and the two met as teens in Serbia and connected through their shared environment and tennis links. Soon their relationship became romantic, and they started dating officially in 2005.Djokovic’s increasing professional commitments and Jelena’s education abroad shaped their early years together, while Jelena was studying in Italy on a scholarship, Djokovic traveled the world trying to establish himself on the professional tennis circuit. The geographical distance made their relationship difficult, but it didn’t stop it from happening.In 2013, after being together for several years, Djokovic proposed to Jelena in Monte Carlo. The couple wed in July 2014, shortly after Djokovic won his seventh Wimbledon title. Their wedding brought a new chapter, with their sporting and personal lives becoming more intertwined.Relationship milestoneDetailFirst connectionMet as teenagers in SerbiaOfficial relationshipBegan dating in 2005Engagement2013MarriageJuly 2014SonStefan, born 2014DaughterTara, born 2017Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic’s early connectionThe relationship formed when Djokovic was still working his way to the top of professional tennis. The early years were a far cry from the highly publicized lifestyle of the family today, full of travel and uncertainty.Jelena’s education in Italy caused periods of separation in the couple’s life. Djokovic has spoken in the past about the challenges of sustaining their relationship during those years when travel to meet each other could be complicated by limited finances and his busy tennis schedule.Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic build a familyFamily was a big part of the couple’s story after their 2014 wedding. Their son Stefan was born in October 2014 and their daughter Tara in September 2017. Many times and in public, Djokovic has spoken about the importance of family alongside his grueling sporting career.Jelena has also developed an identity through her philanthropy. She is a key figure connected to the Novak Djokovic Foundation and has been involved in initiatives especially focused on early childhood education and opportunities for children in Serbia.Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic sustain their bondDjokovic and Jelena balance marriage, children, charity work and the pressures of top-tier sport decades after they first met. Jelena has often been spotted cheering on Djokovic at major tournaments, while also continuing her duties with the family foundation.So their story in 2026 is about far more than just Djokovic’s achievements on the tennis court. Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic have built a family life alongside one of the most remarkable careers in modern tennis, from teenage friendship and a long-distance relationship to marriage and the raising of two children.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.