The world of tennis was left in disbelief when one of its most celebrated players, Novak Djokovic, announced his divorce from his wife, Jelena Djokovic, after years of being together. The couple, who have been married since 2014 and share two children, have long been seen as one of the sport’s power couples. Their relationship was admired for its stability and the shared commitment they showed, not only to each other but also to their family and Novak’s tennis career. However, the shocking announcement of their split has now cast a cloud over this picture-perfect relationship.
What makes this divorce even more puzzling is the nature of the reasons cited for their separation. According to reports, the couple has cited two “bizarre” reasons that have caused them to part ways. These reasons, which initially sounded too absurd to be true, have left fans and the media questioning what really went wrong in the Djokovic household.
In this piece, we will examine the history of Novak and Jelena’s relationship, their marriage, and what may have contributed to the surprising downfall of their union. We will also explore the two cited reasons for their divorce and how these have been received by both the media and the public.
Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristic, who later became Jelena Djokovic, first met during their high school years in Serbia. The young Novak was already on his path to becoming a tennis sensation, while Jelena was focused on her own career. The two were drawn to each other, and over time, their relationship blossomed into a strong bond. Their courtship was one that withstood the test of time and distance, especially given the demands of Djokovic’s career as a professional athlete.
In 2014, Novak and Jelena married in a lavish ceremony in Montenegro, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. Their wedding came just a few days after Novak won his second Wimbledon title, a fitting way to celebrate both his professional and personal triumphs. The two seemed like a perfect match, with Jelena often accompanying Novak to his matches and supporting him both on and off the court.
Throughout their marriage, Jelena also took on significant roles in Novak’s professional life. She served as the director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on providing early childhood education in Serbia and other parts of the world. Her involvement in his charity work and her visible presence at his matches showcased her dedication not only to her family but also to Novak’s greater vision for contributing to society.
The couple welcomed two children, Stefan in 2014 and Tara in 2017, and often spoke about how family played a central role in their lives. Both Novak and Jelena publicly emphasized how their relationship had grown stronger over the years despite the many challenges they faced, including the constant media scrutiny and Novak’s rigorous tennis schedule.
While Novak and Jelena’s relationship seemed rock-solid to outsiders, there had been subtle signs over the years that all might not have been as perfect as it appeared. The demands of Novak’s career, which included constant travel and long stretches away from home, inevitably put a strain on their marriage. The couple, like any other, had their ups and downs. In past interviews, Novak had openly admitted that balancing his professional and personal life was one of the biggest challenges he faced.
There were also rumors that Jelena, at times, struggled with Novak’s fame and the pressures that came with being married to one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Jelena had always maintained a relatively private profile, and the intense public scrutiny on their relationship may have contributed to some of the stress in their marriage.
Despite these challenges, both Novak and Jelena always presented a united front. Even when rumors swirled about possible cracks in their relationship, they remained silent, never letting the gossip overshadow their public appearances. This makes the recent divorce announcement even more shocking, as there had been little indication that such a dramatic split was on the horizon.
While divorce is always a complex and deeply personal matter, the reasons behind Novak and Jelena’s separation have left many baffled. According to reports, the couple cited two specific reasons for their divorce—reasons that have been described as “bizarre” or even absurd by those close to the couple.
The first reason, according to sources, is that Novak’s obsession with “health and wellness” had created a growing rift between the two. Over the years, Djokovic has become known for his strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, his dedication to yoga and meditation, and his interest in alternative medicine. These lifestyle choices, while initially embraced by Jelena, reportedly became a source of tension in their relationship. It is said that Jelena felt overwhelmed by Novak’s constant insistence on following certain wellness routines, even in their personal lives.
The second reason, which seems even more unusual, involves a disagreement over Novak’s commitment to “spiritual guidance.” Novak has often spoken about the influence of spirituality in his life, particularly during interviews where he credited meditation and mindfulness practices for improving his mental focus on the court. However, it appears that Novak’s increasing reliance on spiritual guidance outside of tennis—allegedly involving regular consultations with unconventional spiritual advisors—did not sit well with Jelena. This divergence in belief systems reportedly led to ongoing conflicts between the couple, ultimately contributing to the breakdown of their marriage.
While these reasons may sound strange to outsiders, they point to deeper issues of compatibility between Novak and Jelena. What started as minor differences in lifestyle and belief systems eventually escalated into major points of contention that neither party could reconcile.
As news of Novak and Jelena’s divorce broke, the media and the public reacted with a mix of shock, confusion, and sympathy. Fans of the tennis star, who had long admired the couple’s seemingly perfect relationship, were especially taken aback. Social media platforms were flooded with comments and posts expressing disbelief over the split and the reasons behind it.
Some commentators have pointed out that the reasons for the divorce, while unusual, are not entirely surprising given the intense pressure that public figures like Novak and Jelena face. Others have speculated that there may be more to the story than what has been made public, and that the couple may have chosen to keep the deeper, more personal reasons for their split private.
The media frenzy surrounding the divorce has also led to a flood of speculative reports. Some tabloids have suggested that the divorce might have been brewing for some time, while others have focused on Novak’s demanding tennis schedule as a possible contributing factor. Still, others have questioned whether the couple’s differing worldviews ultimately drove them apart.
As Novak Djokovic and Jelena embark on this new chapter of their lives, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely. For Novak, this news comes at a time when he is still at the peak of his tennis career. He remains one of the most dominant players in the sport, with a legacy that will endure long after his playing days are over. How this divorce might affect his career, both mentally and emotionally, remains to be seen.
For Jelena, the divorce marks a significant turning point in her personal life. While she has largely stayed out of the spotlight compared to her husband, she has played a crucial role in supporting his career and raising their children. Moving forward, Jelena will likely continue to focus on her work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation and her role as a mother.
Though the reasons behind their divorce may seem bizarre to outsiders, it’s clear that Novak and Jelena have made the decision to part ways after much consideration. Ultimately, their story is a reminder that even those who seem to have it all are not immune to the challenges that come with maintaining a relationship in the public eye.