Amid the electrifying atmosphere of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a record-extending eighth title, a charming off-court story has captured fans’ hearts. The Serbian tennis legend, fresh off a hard-fought 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur on July 7, revealed a delightful anecdote about his seven-year-old daughter, Tara, during a press conference with Serbian reporters. Tara, it seems, has a singular obsession—not with her father’s storied career, but with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and her fridge full of açaí. “Sabalenka is her favorite. She only cares about Sabalenka,” Djokovic said with a chuckle. “She keeps asking if she can go to her house again because she has a fridge full of açaí. We went the other day and she made some açaí for us. Since then, it’s all Tara can think about.”
This heartwarming revelation came as Djokovic advanced to his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal, a milestone that places him among tennis’ all-time greats, with only Roger Federer and Martina Navratilova boasting more SW19 singles wins. Yet, while the 24-time Grand Slam champion battles for another title, it’s Tara’s fixation on Sabalenka that has stolen the spotlight. The seven-year-old, often seen cheering alongside her mother, Jelena, and brother, Stefan, in the player’s box, has become a beloved figure at Wimbledon. Her infectious enthusiasm, highlighted by a viral victory dance after Djokovic’s third-round win over Miomir Kecmanovic on July 5, has endeared her to fans. “There’s a song with my kids—look, my daughter’s doing it right now,” Djokovic said during an on-court interview, beaming as Tara showcased her moves. “She’s the master. It’s a little tradition we have right now.”
Tara’s love for Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse chasing her first Wimbledon crown, goes beyond tennis. The connection stems from a recent visit to Sabalenka’s home, where she treated the Djokovic family to açaí bowls, a Brazilian superfruit dish packed with antioxidants. Sabalenka’s partner, Georgios Frangulis, founder of the global açaí brand Oakberry, likely played a role in the treat’s prominence, as Sabalenka is the company’s ambassador. “She’s not too interested in tennis itself—it’s all about whether she can get some more of that açaí,” Djokovic laughed, noting Tara’s singular focus. This charming detail underscores Sabalenka’s warmth off the court, a contrast to her fierce on-court persona, where she’s dominated with straight-set wins en route to the semifinals.
The bond between Djokovic and Sabalenka adds depth to the story. The 27-year-old credits Djokovic for sharpening her mental game and return technique. “I talk to Novak a lot,” Sabalenka said after her fourth-round win over Elise Mertens. “He definitely has a lot of knowledge of the game. It’s really helped me a lot.” Their friendship, evident in practice sessions and casual interactions, like a recent Audemars Piguet event where Sabalenka mingled with Jelena Djokovic, has fostered a mutual respect that transcends their respective tours. Sabalenka’s playful side shines through, too, as she admitted Djokovic teases her for copying his return motion. “He always teases me,” she said, highlighting their camaraderie.
Tara’s admiration reflects Sabalenka’s growing influence in women’s tennis, where stars like her, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff are inspiring a new generation. While Tara’s brother, Stefan, 10, busies himself collecting autographs from players like Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner—amusingly, not his father—Tara’s focus remains fixed on Sabalenka. “He has everyone’s signature except mine,” Djokovic quipped about Stefan’s autograph-hunting cap. The Djokovic family’s presence at Wimbledon, cheering from the stands and celebrating milestones like Jelena’s birthday with Tara baking a cake, paints a picture of a close-knit unit deeply embedded in the sport’s culture.
As Djokovic prepares to face Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals, aiming to inch closer to Margaret Court’s record of 25 Grand Slam titles, Tara’s açaí-fueled fandom adds a lighthearted counterpoint to the tournament’s intensity. Sabalenka, meanwhile, faces Laura Siegemund in her semifinal, buoyed by the knowledge that she’s won a young fan’s heart. Whether it’s Djokovic’s slides on Centre Court or Tara’s dreams of açaí, this Wimbledon is proving that tennis is as much about human connections as it is about trophies.
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