Novak Djokovic has spent much of his illustrious career striving not only for on-court greatness but also for acceptance from a global audience that has often been split in their opinion of him. While Djokovic’s success is undeniable—his record 24 Grand Slam titles and countless weeks as World No. 1 stand as testament—he has frequently faced a unique challenge: winning the hearts of fans who have, at times, been indifferent or even openly hostile. However, according to his wife, Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s legacy goes far beyond tennis, and she believes he will always be the “people’s champion,” regardless of how he is perceived within the tennis world.
### A Partnership Forged in Youth and Success
Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s steadfast partner for nearly two decades, has been a central figure in his life, both personally and professionally. The couple met during their school years, and Jelena has been by his side through the highs and lows of his career. Together, they’ve navigated the challenges of professional tennis while raising their two children, Stefan and Tara. As the family continues to travel the world, supporting Novak during the twilight years of his career, Jelena remains a constant source of strength and inspiration for the Serbian star.
In a recent interview with the Argentine publication *La Nacion*, Jelena opened up about their shared journey and the profound impact Djokovic’s career has had on both their family and his global fan base. While acknowledging the complexities of Novak’s public image, she emphasized that his success story—from a modest upbringing to the pinnacle of the sport—is what resonates most with his supporters. According to Jelena, Djokovic’s life and career are a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can rise to the top.
### Novak Djokovic: A Story of Humble Beginnings
Born and raised in Serbia during a time of political and economic turmoil, Novak Djokovic’s path to tennis greatness was far from the traditional route taken by many of his peers. Unlike players who were groomed for success from a young age in tennis academies, Djokovic’s journey was marked by struggle, sacrifice, and a relentless drive to overcome obstacles. This background, Jelena suggests, is what makes him a champion of the people, not just a champion of the sport.
“When we look at what is happening in the world, tennis is such a small prism of life, but it brings happiness to people. It brings joy. It brings hope,” Jelena told *La Nacion*. Her words capture the essence of Djokovic’s appeal to a broad and diverse audience. Despite tennis’s image as a “luxury sport,” reserved for the elite and wealthy, Djokovic’s fan base includes ordinary people—workers, students, and dreamers—who see in him a reflection of their own struggles and aspirations.
### A Champion for the Common People
“Tennis is a very luxurious sport, a white sport, a sport of rich people, but Novak’s fans are ordinary people, people with ordinary jobs, and they can’t always afford to have tickets to go see his matches,” Jelena explained. “When you walk down the street, and you see the workers who build buildings or whatever, they shout: ‘Hey, Novak!’ Everyone stops him. I think that is what gives him the power and the energy to keep going.”
This connection with everyday fans has become a defining feature of Djokovic’s career. Despite his astonishing achievements—Grand Slam titles, Masters 1000 wins, and records that have rewritten tennis history—he is often seen by his fans as someone who has not lost touch with his roots. Djokovic himself has frequently spoken about the importance of remembering where he came from and using his platform to inspire others who might not have had the same opportunities.
Jelena believes that it’s this sense of authenticity, this ability to remain grounded despite his fame and fortune, that makes Djokovic stand out from many of his contemporaries. “He is a common man who comes from a very simple family, from a family of workers and dreamers,” she said. “And traveling around the world, you see a lot of people who are inspired by his story because they are also similar to him.”
### Overcoming Hostility and Winning Respect
Novak Djokovic’s relationship with tennis fans has always been a complex one. Despite his undeniable prowess, he has often found himself in the shadow of beloved rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have commanded deep loyalty and affection from fans worldwide. Djokovic, in contrast, has faced boos and jeers on some of the sport’s grandest stages, even as he was winning historic matches. However, Jelena maintains that these challenges have only strengthened Novak’s resolve and commitment to his sport.
“Even though he has already achieved everything, I think his greatest victory is being a champion of the people,” Jelena asserted. For her, Djokovic’s greatest triumph lies not in the trophies he has collected but in his ability to inspire and uplift those who look up to him, particularly those who see in his story a mirror of their own.
### The Role of the Novak Djokovic Foundation
Off the court, Jelena is deeply involved in charitable work, particularly through the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Established in 2007, the foundation aims to provide early childhood education and support for underprivileged children in Serbia and around the world. Jelena, who serves as the foundation’s director, sees this as a crucial part of Novak’s legacy—a way to give back and create opportunities for the next generation.
“When she looks to the future, she hopes her husband’s legacy can be an inspiration for those hoping the world can live in peace,” the article noted. For Jelena, Novak’s success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about using his platform to make a difference. Through their philanthropic efforts, the Djokovic family aims to offer hope and opportunities to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
### A Legacy That Transcends Tennis
As Novak Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level, adding to his already unprecedented list of achievements, he and his family are also focused on what comes next. The Djokovic household remains a close-knit unit, traveling together from tournament to tournament, supporting each other both on and off the court. For Jelena, the end of Novak’s playing career, whenever it comes, will be just the beginning of a new chapter, one that focuses on their family, their charitable work, and Novak’s broader legacy as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
While Djokovic’s popularity battle with the tennis world may never be fully resolved, Jelena’s perspective offers a different view—a narrative of a champion who transcends the sport, who is beloved not because of his celebrity status but because of the humble origins and values he represents. This is the Novak Djokovic she wants the world to see: not just a record-breaking athlete but a man who overcame incredible odds to reach the top, all while remaining connected to the “common people” who cheer him on.
As he enters the final phase of his career, Novak Djokovic’s journey is far from over. Whether he wins more Grand Slam titles or not, his legacy, according to his wife, is already secure. He will always be, in her eyes and in the eyes of many, the “people’s champion.”