When Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2019, it puts the Serbian tennis star among the greatest of all time. The number one-ranked men’s singles player now owns five Wimbledon titles, five Tour Finals titles, and 16 Grand Slam wins.
With the U.S. Open not far away, Djokovic is quickly closing in on Federer’s all-time record for grand slam wins. And, perhaps because of the greatness of Federer and Nadal, has been able to quietly accomplish this – if winning all these majors could ever be done quietly.
Find out more about the talented tennis star, including his special diet, net worth, family life, and his good-natured sense of humor.
Novak Djokovic: Fast Facts
How old is Novak Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic is 32 years old. He was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia.
Does he play right-handed or left-handed?
Djokovic plays his tennis game right-handed with a two-handed backhand.
How tall is Djokovic? How much does he weigh?
The top-ranked tennis player stands 6’ 2” tall and weighs 170 pounds.
What languages does he speak?
The Serbian-born phenom speaks five languages: English, Serbian, French, Italian, and German.
What is Djokovic’s diet?
It’s no secret that top professional athletes must adhere to a healthy diet in order to maintain a competitive advantage in their sport. Novak Djokovic is no exception. He follows strict gluten- and dairy-free dietary regimen to keep himself sharp and energized.
He also limits his sugar intake, favoring fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and healthy oils. For protein, the tennis superstar concentrates on white meats and fish.
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Is Djokovic married? Who is his wife?
Novak lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with his wife, Jelena. They were married in 2014.
The couple also has homes in Serbia, a Miami Beach estate, and two condos in New York City.
Does Djokovic have kids?
Novak and his wife have a 4-year-old son, Stefan, and a 1-year-old daughter, Tara.
His son drew attention for how cute and well-behaved he was at the 2019 French Open as he watched his father play for the first time.
Who are Djokovic’s parents and siblings?
His parents are Srdan and Dijana. In his Serbian homeland, he grew up with two younger brothers, Marko and Djordje. Both brothers are aspiring professional tennis players.
Who is Djokovic’s tennis coach?
From June 2006 to May 2017, Djokovic teamed up with the Slovakian former professional tennis player Marián Vajda. Novak currently works with a coaching group that includes former Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic.
Djokovic’s Place in tennis history
Novak’s place in history is still being written.
What is Djokovic’s current ranking?
His current ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is #1 overall.
When did Djokovic turn pro?
The Serbian tennis star turned pro in 2003. Previous to that, he played for the Yugoslav national team in the 2001 Junior Davis Cup. He was only 16 years old.
Who are the Big Three of professional tennis?
Tennis commentators sometimes call Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer the Big Three of tennis. These players currently dominate men’s singles tennis in rankings and tournament wins. Competition between the three superstars is known as “The Trivalry.”
The group is sometimes expanded and called the Big Four with the addition of Andy Murray.
Djokovic vs. Nadal
The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry has become the spotlight event of the Open Era in tennis ever since the two first met at the 2006 French Open. All eyes are on the tennis superstars any time they meet on the court.
Djokovic and Nadal have matched up 54 times in their professional careers. Currently, Djokovic leads Nadal 28-26. In the finals matches, Djokovic leads 15-11. But Nadal has the advantage in their 15 Grand Slam matches, leading 9-6.
The fiercely competitive play between the tennis superstars has led to some of the greatest matches of all time. The 2009 Madrid Masters, the 2013 French Open semifinal, and the 2018 Wimbledon semifinal are noted among the most legendary matches ever played.
How fast is Djokovic’s serve speed?
His right-handed serve tops out at 130 mph. But his service speed normally ranges between 96 to 117 mph.
What are his best strengths on the tennis court?
Expert tennis analysts define Djokovic’s strengths on the court within these five key areas:
1.) Djokovic plays with fitness and flexibility, with no loss of power.
2.) He is able to react quickly and is always under control.
3.) Djokovic is mentally tough and is always prepared for the big match.
4.) His accurate serve and shot selection allow him to score early.
5.) He has a great backhand return.
Novak Djokovic’s Tennis Career Highlights
What is Djokovic’s career singles record?
His career record as a singles player is 871-182. His 75 career titles are 6th all-time in the Open Era.
How many Grand Slams has Djokovic won?
He has 16 singles Grand Slam wins.
Djokovic’s Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) wins:
1). ATP Finals (Tour Finals): 5 titles (in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015)
2). Tour Masters 1000 (ATP): 33 titles
3). ATP Tour 500: 12 titles
How many Wimbledon titles has Djokovic won?
Djokovic defended his championship title by winning his 5th Wimbledon crown in 2019. The nearly five-hour match against Roger Federer became the longest singles final in Wimbledon history.
The number-one ranked tennis star also holds Wimbledon titles in 2011 (against opponent Rafael Nadal), 2014 and 2015 (against Roger Federer), and 2018 (against Kevin Anderson).
Video: Djokovic vs. Federer Wimbledon 2019 Highlights
How many US Open titles has Djokovic won?
Djokovic has not fared as well at the U.S. Open, with an overall record of 3 wins and 4 losses. His first Open in 2007 culminated in a loss to Roger Federer. He would lose to Rafael Nadal in 2010 before beating Nadal the next year to win his first U.S. Open title.
He would earn two more U.S. Open titles, in 2015 against Federer and in 2018 over Juan Martin del Potro.
What is Djokovic’s record in the Australian Open?
Djokovic boasts an impressive 7-0 record playing at the Australian Open. His seven Australian Open championships are an all-time record. Incredibly, four of those victories came at the expense of long-time opponent Andy Murray. Two of the titles came against fellow tennis superstar Rafael Nadal.
How has he played at the French Open?
He won the French Open against opponent Andy Murray in 2016. His overall record at the event is 1-3.
What is Djokovic’s Olympic record?
He won a bronze medal for Serbia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, beating American James Blake. A return to Olympic competition in 2012 (London) resulted in a 4th place finish at the hand of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro.
What is his doubles play record?
Djokovic’s current doubles ranking is #125, with a career doubles record of 52-66 (including one career doubles title).
Sources of Novak Djokovic’s wealth and income
How much prize money has Djokovic earned in his tennis career?
He is currently the all-time leader in professional tennis earnings. His prize winnings from the ATP Tour alone amount to more than $134 million.
What is Novak Djokovic’s net worth?
The tennis superstar has a net worth of $220 million, according to celebritynetworth.com.
What is Djokovic’s annual salary?
In 2018, he earned $23.5 million from winnings and endorsements, according to forbes.com. So far in 2019, his earnings stand at $50.6 million.
Who are Djokovic’s sponsors and endorsements?
The number one tennis player in the world is in high demand when it comes to corporate sponsorship.
Djokovic has signed deals with Head tennis racquets, NetJets, Seiko Watch Corporation, Ultimate Software Group, and Asics shoes.
Along with his endorsement deal with Lacoste—featuring his own branded tennis athletic wear—Djokovic earns about $25 million per year just from endorsements.
Does Djokovic have any business interests?
The tennis star’s Novak Cafe & Restaurant serves vegan and gluten-free food items. The restaurant has four locations in his homeland of Serbia.
Find Novak Djokovic on social media
Follow Novak Djokovic on all his social media sites and websites.
Instagram:
See all Djokovic’s Instagram posts at @djokernole
Twitter:
Check out Novak’s tweets and news on Twitter @DjokerNole
Facebook:
The official Novak Djokovic Facebook page can be found at @djokovicoffical
Websites:
The Novak Djokovic Foundation (novakdjokovicfoundation.org) supports early childhood development and education.
Quotes about Novak Djokovic
I never faced Djokovic, and I do not want to! I played against Federer, and that’s enough.
Andre Agassi
You start reeling off some of the names like McEnroe, Connors, and Andre; they had seven, eight, and eight Slams. Novak has 16. Then they go okay, and then the weight of those names and what he’s accomplished settles in.
Andy Roddick
Of course, he played, I think, fantastic. At the same time, it’s true that when he’s playing that way, I think I needed something else.
Rafael Nadal
When I look at Novak to see how relaxed he is, how confident he is, it just exudes from him, which is something that’s truly remarkable.
Serena Williams – (Learn More about Serena)
It’s the best backhand return in the world. That’s where it all starts. Most serves are directed to the backhand. It’s just really the simplicity of his technique. Two hands on the grip, his upper body rotates 90 degrees sideways, and that’s it.
Craig O’Shannessy, tennis analyst
How Others Rate Djokovic
To me, he’s sort of like a human backboard.
John McEnroe
Now, after 16 majors, people have got to wake up to the greatness of Novak Djokovic.
Boris Becker
This victory will motivate him to keep putting in the hard work and winning more titles. Federer and Nadal are very much in his sights.
Tim Henman, former British number one tennis player
I think Novak can surprise the world with something the game has never seen before.
Andre Agassi
At the end of the day, this guy may have more than all of them.
John McEnroe on Djokovic’s Grand Slam titles
For him, if he wins, it’s very important. If he loses, it’s not the end of the world. He is happy in his life; he knows his body really well, and mentally he can also produce and be more relaxed. When you are winning everything, when you are on top of your game, and you’re the No. 1, you just enjoy yourself, you know what to do.
Henri Leconte, former France Davis Cup tennis player
What surprises me most is his intellectual capacity off the court and how little he thinks on the court. He’s a feeler on the court, not a thinker.
Andre Agassi
Novak is not quite happy yet. He’s one of the greatest of all of the time, but he wants to be the greatest of all time.
Boris Becker
What Federer and Nadal Say about Djokovic
If I think of Novak, one thing that jumps out at me is his jump back and to the left [for a backhand]. It’s how he’s able to defend on that side, which I think has won him numerous matches and trophies. He does that better than anybody. Nobody else really has it as consistent and good as he has.
Roger Federer
When he was hitting, it’s true that maybe it was difficult to beat him even if I was at my 100 percent (level). But probably, it would have been a little bit more of a fight.
Rafael Nadal
Is something unbelievable how he returns, no? His return probably is one of the best of history. That’s my opinion, no? I never played against a player who’s able to return like this. Almost every time.
Rafael Nadal on Djokovic’s return game
Insights on Djokovic
I think because of Federer winning eight, it is sometimes lost that Djokovic is one of the greatest grass-court players in history. He’s up to five and you wouldn’t put it past him winning more titles in the future.
Tim Henman, former British number one tennis player
The guy’s really smart. It almost shocks you how much he remembers in detail. If he’s looking for information, he reads, he studies, he remembers—we just do it in different areas of our lives.
Andre Agassi
He is the one and only for the moment.
Henri Leconte, former France Davis Cup tennis player
The biggest thing is his ability to hit a spot. If I was to put an empty can of balls on the court and you pick one player to hit a spot, typically it would have been Roger Federer. Today, coming into Wimbledon, I think Djokovic is that guy.
Craig O’Shannessy, tennis analyst
He’s intense about everything. He has so much energy. Tennis is mind, body, and heart, and there’s a balance, like your checking account. You have to make sure more is going in than going out.
Andre Agassi
Novak Djokovic Quotes
I think luck falls on not just the brave but also the ones who believe they belong there.
Wimbledon is a special tournament in my eyes, in my dreams, and for many other players. I’m honored to be in the same room as Rod Laver and Manuel Santana; everyone who has made history for this sport made it possible for us to compete in such a wonderful sport, to be recognized as a successful athlete.
I always try to imagine myself as a winner. [And] I think there is a power to that. Also, there has to be, next to the willpower, strength that comes not just from your physical self, but from your mental and emotional self.
I want the same thing I’ve wanted since I was 7 years old. I want to be No. 1.
Tennis is a mental game. Everyone is fit; everyone hits great forehands and backhands.
I obviously try to play the match in my mind before I go on the court. I probably could not play this kind of scenario.
Djokovic Quotes on Tennis
I stopped thinking too much about what could happen and relied on my physical and mental strength to play the right shots at the right time.
You have to consistently be successful to be one of the top players in the world, and everything is possible in life.
I work very hard every single day to not have any fears. [And] I think that fears are the biggest enemy of all of us in every aspect of our beings, whatever we do. If I paid too much attention to my fears, I wouldn’t be able to achieve what I have.
I think I have a few more years left in my legs. And, if everything goes the right way, if I manage to balance things out in my private life – because I’m a tennis player, obviously, but firstly I’m a father and a husband–and as long as I have the support of the closest people in my life, I am able to thrive.
On competition
I embraced, I think, the process of becoming No. 1 in the world, which was long and difficult, but it’s sweeter in the end.
For me, at least, it’s a constant battle within, more than what happens outside. It’s really not the situations that you experience that are affecting you, but how you internally experience those situations, how you accept them, and how you live through them.
I want the same thing I’ve wanted since I was 7 years old. I want to be No. 1.
You have to believe on the court. In the end, it’s mental. In these moments against a great champion like Rafa, you have to believe. It’s all about stepping in and taking your chances. I always believed, but it’s a process of learning.
I don’t think that you can always — you can ever — get your game to perfection, you know. Only if you’re Federer.
We only have one life and one body to care of, and we better do it right. You never know what tomorrow may bring and so we better live this life the best we can and be grateful for everything we have.
Novak Djokovic Quotes On Inspiration
I try to focus on the positive emotions that drive me, like passion, joy, and the pure inspiration to play the sport that I love. I have to always go back to that core: the fact that I enjoy just holding a racket and playing on a daily basis on any regular court, not just the center court of Grand Slams, brings me that excitement and that joy that pushes me to keep ongoing. So I’ve had to rediscover this inner joy of motivation, of playing. And not only to win or lose but playing for the sake of enjoying the game.
I am fast and very powerful on the court, so this is what matters.
In my case, I can sincerely say that nothing is impossible… When I was saying I want to be No. 1 in the world, and I was seven or eight years old, most of the people were laughing at me because it seems like I have a one percent of chances to do that, and I’ve done it.
In terms of playing ability, there is nothing to choose between number one and 100. Instead, it’s a question of who believes and who wants it more? Which player is mentally stronger? Which player is going to fight the hardest in the big points? These are the things that determine who is the champion.
On Rivalries
Not everybody can like what I do, and if you feel that somebody is coming up closer to you and starting the rivalry and everything, you maybe change your position to him.
In order to stay where I am – and I want to do that – I have to stay dedicated as well as I have been before I became No. 1.
If I get to compete, it will always be at the highest level, and the intention is always to win Wimbledon.
I am the greatest tennis player. The other players are like coins in my pocket that I give to a homeless man.
When the last point is done, we are humans. Give your opponent a hug and say, ‘great fight,’ and that’s all.
On Winning
I always tried to win. I was as competitive as I am today.
At this stage of my career, that’s what inspires me, that’s what motivates me. Obviously, historic No. 1 is not so far away so it just depends on how healthy I am, how committed I am, and how good I play in the next couple years, and we hope for the best.
I’m trying to enjoy my lie as much as I can, and I know that tennis hopefully is going to be my life for the next 10 or 15 years.
In my case, I can sincerely say nothing is impossible.
Most of the match, I was on the back foot, actually. I was defending; he was dictating the play. I just tried to fight and find a way when it mattered the most. (Djokovic on his 2019 Wimbledon win against Roger Federer)
Next Steps: Djokovic’s next major tournament
Be sure to watch Djokovic in the upcoming U.S. Open, August 29 through September 8, 2019. The annual hard-court tennis tournament is held at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
By Greg Johnson & Mike O’Halloran
Greg is a creative director, designer, and writer. Mike, a former tennis instructor, is a writer and editor of Sports Feel Good Stories.
Extra Points
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