Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis icon, has touched down in London with his sights set on a historic eighth Wimbledon title, aiming to match Roger Federer’s record at the All England Club. As he arrived for the 2025 Championships, set to begin June 30, his wife Jelena Djokovic sparked a wave of excitement with a heartfelt Instagram comment, showering love and encouragement on her husband’s pursuit of tennis immortality. The seven-time Wimbledon champion, whose 24 Grand Slam titles already place him among the sport’s all-time greats, is driven not only by his competitive fire but also by the unwavering support of Jelena, his high school sweetheart and partner of two decades. Her emotional reaction has set the tone for a campaign that could redefine Djokovic’s legacy.
Djokovic’s journey to Wimbledon 2025 comes after a rollercoaster season. A meniscus injury forced his withdrawal from the 2024 French Open quarterfinals, and a straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 French Open semifinals marked an emotional farewell to Roland Garros. “Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know,” he reflected, hinting at the uncertainty of his career’s twilight. Yet, his resilience shone through at the Geneva Open in May 2025, where he clinched his 100th ATP singles title against Hubert Hurkacz, becoming the first player to win a title in 20 consecutive seasons. “I’m just blessed to be making another record,” Djokovic said, his passion for the game undimmed as he eyes Federer’s Wimbledon benchmark.
Jelena’s support has been a cornerstone of Djokovic’s success. The couple, who met in a Serbian high school sports academy and married in 2014, celebrated their 10th anniversary during Wimbledon 2024, with Djokovic humorously noting on Centre Court, “I’m going to buy you flowers after this.” Her loving comment on his recent Instagram post, captioned with his arrival at Wimbledon, resonated with fans, who flooded X with praise for their enduring bond. “Novak and Jelena are the ultimate power couple,” one post read, reflecting the sentiment surrounding her steadfast presence. Jelena, a mother of two and director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, has long balanced her charitable work with cheering Novak, often joined by their children, Stefan and Tara, in the player’s box. “It’s incredible to have them with me,” Djokovic told Tennis Channel, emphasizing how his family’s presence fuels his drive.
The quest to match Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles is no small feat. Djokovic, with a 99-10 grass-court record at SW19, fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the last two finals, including a straight-sets defeat in 2024 that Alcaraz called “phenomenal.” Federer’s record, set between 2003 and 2017, looms large, with Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, commenting on Djokovic’s arrival post: “Go get that 8th title, Novak!” The Serbian’s rivalry with Federer, marked by a 27-23 head-to-head lead and iconic clashes like the 2019 Wimbledon final—the longest in tournament history—adds weight to his pursuit. “I’m aware that Roger holds eight Wimbledons [and] I hold seven,” Djokovic acknowledged, his focus sharpened by the chance to etch his name alongside the Swiss maestro.
Djokovic faces a formidable field, including Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, and Sinner, the world No. 1 with 20 consecutive Grand Slam wins. His recent form, marred by early exits in Doha and Indian Wells, suggests vulnerabilities, but his Olympic gold medal over Alcaraz in 2024 proved he can still summon greatness. “The only thing that motivates me is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” he said, hinting at a career extending beyond Wimbledon. As he prepares for his first practice on June 24, Jelena’s support and the roar of the Centre Court crowd will propel Djokovic toward a record-equaling triumph, with the tennis world watching to see if he can claim the golden crown once more.
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