Novak Djokovic Bio And Facts
One of the best men’s tennis players of all time, Novak Djokovic looks poised to surpass his Big-3 rivals as his career hits a major second wind. The native Serb has devoted his life to tennis, and is one of the most respected players in the sport. Keep reading to learn more about Novak Djokovic’s life, career, and accomplishments.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is one of the top professional male tennis players in the world. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Djokovic did not pursue any education post-graduation from high school and instead began his tennis career. At 13, Djokovic attended the Pilic Academy of Tennis in Germany. He continued to play internationally and has won a record-number of international titles. Playing for 20 years already, Djokovic has a total of 1,048 wins and holds 22 Grand Slam titles, which is the most set in history for male tennis players.
- Birthdate: May 22, 1987 (22-05-1987)
- Education: High School in Belgrade, Serbia
- Net Worth: $220 million
- Occupation: professional tennis player
- Height: 6’2” (1.88 m)
- Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Plays: Right-handed
- Years Active: 20 (turned pro in 2003)
- Career Wins: 1,048
- Career Losses: 209
- Career Titles: 93
- Career Grand Slams: 22
- Nicknames: Djoker, The Joker, Nole, The Serbinator.
- Teams: Solo, Serbian Olympic Team
Social Media
Tennis Career
Novak Djokovic’s tennis career began at a young age. At the age of six, Djokovic was recognized by Jelena Gencic, who worked with him to expand his skills. Then at 13, he officially began his tennis career at the Pilic Academy of Tennis in Germany. This training allowed him to begin playing internationally the following year. At just 14, he was a triple European champion in singles, doubles, and teams.
In 2007, Djokovic moved on to the French Open and Wimbledon. He gained recognition by earning two masters titles at a young age and beating top tennis players. In 2008, he competed in the Olympics for team Serbia. In 2011, Djokovic won a total of 43 matches, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. These achievements made him the number one player in the world in 2011, a title he has repeatedly held as recently as 2023.
Titles and Awards
- 10x Australian Open Singles Champion (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
- 2x French Open Singles Champion (2016, 2021)
- 3x US Open Singles Champion (2011, 2015, 2018)
- 7x Wimbledon Singles Champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
- 2008 Olympic bronze medals
- 7x ATP Player of the Year (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021)
Currently, Novak Djokovic has won 1,048 tennis matches in his professional career. By winning the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic became the first Serbian tennis player to win one of the major tennis tournaments. He is one of the three tennis players to hold all four Grand Slam titles in the same year (in 2015 and 2016).
Djokovic is the only male tennis player to win all nine of the ATP Tour Masters Tournaments. He again made history in 2023 when he won the Australian Open. It was Djokovic’s 10th Australian Open win and his 22nd Grand Slam title, tying him with Rafael Nadal for most of all time by a man. Djokovic has been honored as ITF World Champion seven times and is a seven-time ATP Player of the Year award winner.
Personal Life
Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia. He is of Serbian and Croatian descent. Born to Srdjan and Dijana Djokovic, Novak was set to be a tennis player from an early age. His parents owned three restaurants and a tennis academy. Djokovic was one of three kids. His two brothers, Marko and Djordje, have also played professional tennis. Djokovic pursued tennis professionally at a young age after attending the Pilic Academy of Tennis in Germany.
In 2007, Djokovic established his own foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation. The foundation gives back to children in Serbia by providing education and other resources. Djokovic got married in 2014 to Jelena Ristic, who was his high school sweetheart since 2005. Since getting married, they have had two kids, Stefan and Tara.
Fun Facts
- Djokovic speaks five languages fluently: Serbian, English, French, German, and Italian.
- Djokovic is of Serbian and Croatian descent.
- Djokovic started playing tennis at four when he received his first tennis racket from his father.
- Djokovic was spotted playing tennis at six years old by Yugoslav tennis player Jelena Glencic, who helped propel his tennis career.
- Djokovic loves animals; he has a poodle named Pierre that he takes everywhere.
- He released a book, Serve To Win, telling the story of how he became one of the best male tennis players in the world.
- He is the only male tennis player to complete a Double Grand Slam in history.
- Djokovic has his own foundation, The Novak Djokovic Foundation, for children in Serbia.
FAQ
Who are Novak Djokovic’s strongest opponents?
Novak Djokovic's strongest opponents are Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Djokovic is the only male tennis player to have beaten retired legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in all four major tournaments. Djokovic and Federer were even considered the top two male tennis players in the world, which is why their rivalry was closely watched until Federer retired in 2022.
What does the Novak Djokovic Foundation do?
The Novak Djokovic Foundation, founded in 2007, is a global organization that focuses on providing early childhood education programs to children in Serbia. The foundation strives to provide quality preschool education for children and has built schools and supported many families in Djokovic’s home country. Teacher support and developmental programs for children are also a part of the foundation’s provisions.
What records has Novak Djokovic set?
Novak Djokovic set the record for being the only male tennis player to sweep the Majors, Masters, and year-end championship titles in the ATP Tour. Djokovic has also won a record total of 38 titles in the ATP Master tournaments, which makes him one above Rafael Nadal. Djokovic also set the record as the only player to ever win all four of the Grand Slam tournaments in one calendar year and the first to win a Double Grand Slam.
Does Novak Djokovic have kids?
Yes, Novak Djokovic has two kids with his wife, Jelena Djokovic. The family lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco. In 2014, Djokovic’s first son was born, Stefan Djokovic. Djokovic won his fourth Wimbledon title with his son in the stands. In 2017, Djokovic had a daughter named Tara Djokovic.