**Jelena Djokovic Opens Up About Marriage Pressures Amid Tennis Stardom and TV Speculation**
Novak Djokovic, widely lauded as one of tennis’s greatest ever competitors, has not only carved out a remarkable legacy on the court, but also found his personal life thrust into the spotlight. The 38-year-old Serbian champion, with a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, continues to dominate headlines, this time due to intriguing comments regarding his marriage following speculation from tennis pundit John McEnroe.
As Djokovic pursues what could be an historic eighth Wimbledon trophy—a feat that would see him join Roger Federer atop the all-time men’s leaderboard—his off-court life has attracted almost as much attention as his sporting accolades. His financial achievements are nothing short of astonishing, with career earnings from tournament prize money alone exceeding $184 million (£147m). Factoring in lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Lacoste, Uniqlo, Head and Mercedes-Benz, industry analysts value his net worth at approximately £176 million, making Djokovic one of the wealthiest figures in modern sport.
Despite such remarkable achievements, the glare of the public eye has proven to be a double-edged sword for both Novak and his wife, Jelena Djokovic. The couple, who first met as teenagers and married at the opulent Aman Sveti Stefan resort in Montenegro in 2014, have faced intense scrutiny throughout his meteoric career. While Jelena, herself a highly successful businesswoman and the CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, is often seen supporting Novak at major events, her absence from Wimbledon in 2019 set tongues wagging about the state of their relationship.
The swirling rumours gained further momentum after BBC pundit John McEnroe drew potential parallels between Djokovic’s form and well-publicised marital difficulties faced by golfer Tiger Woods, suggesting that “off-court issues with the family” may have affected the Serbian player’s focus. In response, Djokovic calmly acknowledged McEnroe’s tendency towards provocative remarks, saying, “He has his right to say the things he wants to say. I don’t necessarily need to agree with that. But it’s his right.”
Jelena, who is 38 and a formidable figure in her own right, has addressed the pressures of public life candidly. Speaking to Vesti-Online, she confessed that fame’s allure fades as the intense scrutiny erodes privacy and anonymity. “At first, the attention doesn’t alarm you, but as time goes on, you lack anonymity, you lack the privacy to be able to do whatever you like,” she explained, highlighting the difficulties of living in the perpetual glare of the media.
She also revealed the personal toll exacted by public expectations, noting criticism over superficial matters such as not always wearing makeup or high heels. “I try to resist all these expectations to always be myself and for Novak to be able to be himself. That is probably why I am being criticised by the public ‘why didn’t I wear makeup’ or ‘why wasn’t I always wearing heels’,” she remarked, underlining the societal pressures faced by partners of elite athletes.
Jelena expanded further on the subject in a 2020 interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, admitting that she had felt judged for not fitting the perceived mould of a sportsman’s wife. “I was trying to compete with him because I felt like, ‘I’m also deserving and I’m not getting enough credit for what I’m doing because I’m doing it more in the backstage’. . . There is this stereotype about who is the wife of an athlete and how she should behave, and I don’t fit very well into that stereotype.”
Despite these challenges, Jelena expressed pride in forging her own identity rather than conforming to conventional expectations. She advocates for authenticity, recognising that stepping outside the stereotype has at times led to criticism, but also to personal growth.
The Djokovic family’s journey offers a glimpse into the complexities of life at the pinnacle of elite sport. While Novak’s historic accomplishments have inspired millions, it is clear that both he and Jelena continue to navigate the unique demands of celebrity, striving to maintain a sense of self amid the relentless scrutiny. Their story sheds light not only on the triumphs associated with sporting greatness, but also on the often-overlooked reality of life in the public eye.