Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is a household name in the world of tennis, celebrated for his incredible victories and unwavering determination on the court. But beyond the forehand smashes and backhand winners, there’s a heartwarming love story that many might not be familiar with – his enduring romance with wife Jelena Ristić.
Novak, who started his tennis journey at the tender age of four, is not just a winner on the tennis court but also in the game of love. He tied the knot with Jelena Ristić in 2014, and together, they’ve embarked on a beautiful journey, including starting a family.
Their love story began in high school in Serbia, back in the ’90s. While sparks didn’t fly immediately, their connection endured, and a decade later, they officially started dating. But even true love has its share of hiccups, and Novak and Jelena’s first date was a testament to that.
In a 2016 video produced in collaboration with Jacob’s Creek ahead of the Australian Open, Novak recounted the comical mishaps of their initial outing. The setting was Monte Carlo, and Novak was determined to make a lasting impression. He thought he had found the perfect place, a sports bar that he considered exclusive.
Novak shared, “In my eyes, at the time, it was a very exclusive place to take her.” He also attempted to impress Jelena by choosing a fancy restaurant. However, his well-intentioned gesture took a turn for the worse when he ordered for her.
Jelena humorously revealed, “Awkward moment, he wants to order for me, and it wasn’t what I expected.” Novak, thinking he was ordering her favorite steak, was in for a shock when a plate of raw meat was served. He explained, “I called the waiter over and explained the steak was underdone.” To his embarrassment, the waiter clarified, “You ordered the steak tartare; it’s always served raw.”
Despite this culinary mishap, Jelena wasn’t put off by the awkwardness of their first date. Novak and Jelena have laughed about this incident over the years, turning it into a sweet memory. Novak humorously concluded the story by saying, “Whenever we see a steak tartare on the menu, it reminds us of our first date.”
As Novak Djokovic aims for yet another Wimbledon victory, it’s evident that his journey with Jelena Ristić is equally triumphant. Their love story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, love can bloom even in the most unexpected and amusing of circumstances. Beyond the courts and trophies, it’s the enduring bond between Novak and Jelena that continues to capture hearts worldwide.