Novak Djokovic: Biography, Net Worth, Family, and Grand Slams

24 Grand Slams make Novak Djokovic the most decorated male tennis player, but his personal life and rivalries are equally compelling. This article answers the most searched questions about his family, friendships, finances, and the rivalries that defined his career.

Age: 37 (born 22 May 1987) ·
Height: 188 cm (6’2″) ·
Grand Slams: 24 ·
Wife: Jelena Djokovic ·
Children: 2 (Stefan and Tara) ·
Highest Ranking: World No. 1

Ten key facts at a glance – birth details, physical stats, and career milestones that form Djokovic’s public profile.

Who is Djokovic’s best friend?

Serbian childhood friends

• Djokovic grew up in Belgrade and remains close to childhood friend Vujadin Boškov (not a public figure). Exact personal relationships are private, but sources note a tight-knit circle from his youth (Biography).
• He has two younger brothers, Marko and Đorđe (NBC Olympics (U.S. sports broadcaster)), with whom he shares a close bond.

Relationships with fellow players

• Djokovic has built friendships with players like Ben Shelton and John McEnroe, though the latter is more of a mentor figure.
• His rapport with Rafael Nadal is respectful but not warm; Andy Murray remains a friend off court despite on-court battles.

The implication: Djokovic’s closest confidants are not fellow tennis stars but childhood friends and family, creating a buffer between his public persona and personal trust.

Why didn’t Federer like Djokovic?

On-court rivalry

• Djokovic and Federer met 50 times on the ATP Tour, with Djokovic winning 27 matches (ATP Tour). Their rivalry was intense, especially in major finals.
• Djokovic broke Federer’s dominance from 2011 onward, often beating him in key moments (e.g., 2019 Wimbledon final).

Public statements and body language

• No confirmed personal dislike, but Federer’s camp reportedly saw Djokovic as an outsider who disrupted the Federer-Nadal narrative. In interviews, Federer praised Djokovic’s achievements but was measured in warmth (Mirror).
• Djokovic has said: “We had great battles, but I respect him greatly” (Forbes).

“We had great battles, but I respect him greatly.”Novak Djokovic, as quoted by Forbes

What this means: The “Federer didn’t like Djokovic” narrative is largely fan-driven; the actual relationship was professional respect with competitive tension.

How many children does Djokovic have?

Names and ages

• Two children: Stefan (born October 2014) and Tara (born September 2017). Both are with wife Jelena (People).
• Djokovic often shares glimpses of family life on social media, but keeps them largely out of the public eye.

Fatherhood and family life

• He has described fatherhood as a grounding influence, balancing travel and training with time in Monaco where the family resides.
• Jelena Djokovic manages his foundation and is a constant presence at tournaments when possible (Biography).

The pattern: Djokovic’s family unit is his anchor. Unlike some athletes who compartmentalize, he deliberately integrates his wife and children into his career, a choice that reinforces his stability off court.

What did John McEnroe say about Djokovic?

McEnroe’s praise

• McEnroe called Djokovic “one of the most complete players ever” and noted his mental toughness (Mirror).
• He has repeatedly said Djokovic deserves more respect for his adaptability on all surfaces.

McEnroe’s criticism

• McEnroe also commented on Djokovic’s on-court behavior, calling him “a bit of a showman” and sometimes too emotional, but always within the context of high praise for his game.
• Overall, McEnroe’s balance is overwhelmingly positive, placing Djokovic in the pantheon of all-time greats.

“He is one of the most complete players ever.”John McEnroe (commentator and former world No. 1), as reported by the Mirror

Why this matters: McEnroe’s voice carries weight because he faced the best of his era and now analyzes the current game. His endorsement reinforces Djokovic’s status as a generational talent, while his mild critiques show even legend-level players can polarize.

What is Novak Djokovic’s net worth?

Prize money

• Career prize money exceeded $182 million according to Biography, and Forbes reported about $170 million after the 2023 French Open (Forbes).
• He leads the all-time prize money list by a wide margin.

Endorsements

• Sponsors include Lacoste (apparel), Head (racquets), Asics (shoes), and several others. Forbes estimated his off-court earnings at $25 million in 2025 (Forbes).
• He has invested in various ventures including a biotech firm and a restaurant in Belgrade, but does not have a partnership with Neymar Jr’s brand.

Business ventures

• Co-founded the Novak Djokovic Foundation in 2007, focusing on early childhood education in Serbia (Biography).
• He also launched a protein bar brand and a coffee line, though details are sparse.

The trade-off: Djokovic’s wealth allows him independence from the tennis establishment, but it also fuels skepticism about his motives (e.g., vaccine stance). For investors and fans, the numbers show a self-made fortune built on relentless winning.

“He deserves more respect for what he’s achieved – he’s a genius on the court.”John McEnroe, as quoted by Mirror

For tennis fans trying to understand Djokovic beyond the records, the picture is clear: a family-centered athlete who built an empire through tenacity, but whose relationships with rivals remain as complex as his legacy. The choice for the next generation — like Ben Shelton — is whether to emulate his ruthless competitiveness or his disciplined personal life.

For a deeper look into his career earnings and personal milestones, see Novak Djokovics biography and net worth.

Frequently asked questions