Novak Djokovic is a name that resonates with tennis fans all over the world.
With a career that spans over two decades, he has consistently proven himself as one of the greatest players to ever grace the tennis court.
However, beyond his famous on-court victories, there’s a lot more to Djokovic’s life and personality that many might not be aware of.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Novak Djokovic that will surprise you.
1. Novak Djokovic Grew Up During Wartime in Serbia
Novak Djokovic was born in 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia).
His childhood was anything but ordinary.
During the 1990s, his country was affected by the Yugoslav Wars, and Djokovic has often spoken about how his family survived the NATO bombings in Belgrade.
Despite the hardships, Djokovic’s passion for tennis remained unwavering, and he would train even under challenging conditions.
Fun Fact: Novak and his family practiced tennis in an empty swimming pool during the war, as tennis courts were scarce.
2. Novak Djokovic Speaks Several Languages
Djokovic isn’t just a master of tennis; he’s also a master of languages.
In addition to his native Serbian, Djokovic speaks English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish fluently.
His ability to communicate in multiple languages has helped him connect with fans and media from different countries, making him one of the most internationally accessible tennis players.
Fun Fact: Djokovic once gave a full press conference in French after winning a tournament in Paris.
3. Novak Djokovic is the Gluten-Free Diet Revolution
Novak Djokovic famously transformed his career by switching to a gluten-free diet in 2010.
Struggling with health issues like breathing problems and stamina on the court, Djokovic’s nutritionist discovered that he had a gluten intolerance.
This discovery led to a major change in his diet, resulting in improved fitness and performance.
Since then, Djokovic has been a strong advocate for a gluten-free lifestyle.
Fun Fact: Djokovic released a book, Serve to Win, where he discusses his gluten-free diet and how it boosted his career.
4. Novak Djokovic is a Family Man
Off the court, Djokovic is very much a family-oriented person.
He married his long-time girlfriend, Jelena Ristić, in 2014.
The couple has two children, Stefan and Tara.
Djokovic often shares glimpses of his life as a father on social media and credits his family for helping him stay grounded and focused.
Fun Fact: Djokovic’s son, Stefan, has already shown interest in tennis, and Novak has been seen playing and training with him on the court.
5. Novak Djokovic Owns a Vegan Restaurant
Novak Djokovic is not only gluten-free but he’s also embraced a plant-based diet.
In line with his healthy lifestyle, Djokovic owns a vegan restaurant in Monte Carlo called “Eqvita.”
The restaurant focuses on providing nutritious, plant-based meals for those who want to enjoy healthy and sustainable dining.
Fun Fact: Djokovic has mentioned that going vegan not only improved his physical health but also increased his mental clarity.
6. Novak Djokovic is a Strong Philanthropist
Through his Novak Djokovic Foundation, Djokovic has shown a strong commitment to giving back to society.
The foundation, established in 2007, focuses on improving the quality of education for children in Serbia and has helped build several schools and learning facilities.
Djokovic has always been proud of his Serbian roots and uses his global influence to improve conditions in his home country.
Fun Fact: Djokovic was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his efforts in improving children’s education and welfare.
7. Novak Djokovic is a Talented Mimic
Djokovic isn’t just talented with a tennis racket; he’s also known for his spot-on impersonations of fellow tennis players.
Over the years, Djokovic has entertained crowds by mimicking the mannerisms and styles of players like Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Roger Federer.
His humorous side shines during exhibition matches and special events, making him a fan favorite both on and off the court.
Fun Fact: Djokovic’s impressions are so popular that fans often request them during public appearances.
8. Novak Djokovic is a Big Fan of Meditation and Yoga
To keep his mind sharp and his body flexible, Djokovic practices meditation and yoga regularly.
He believes that mental strength is just as important as physical fitness in tennis.
Djokovic practices mindfulness and credits these routines with helping him stay calm and focused during high-pressure matches.
Fun Fact: Djokovic has spoken about using visualization techniques to mentally prepare for matches, imagining himself winning key points before they happen.
9. Novak Djokovic is a Dog Lover
Novak Djokovic has a deep love for animals, especially dogs.
His pet poodle, Pierre, often travels with him to tournaments.
Djokovic has shared that Pierre is a source of comfort during long tours and matches, and the bond between the two is heartwarming to fans.
Fun Fact: Pierre even has his own passport, making it easier for him to travel with Djokovic across countries.
10. Novak Djokovic Holds the Record for Most Weeks as World No. 1
Novak Djokovic is no stranger to breaking records, but one of his most impressive achievements is holding the record for the most weeks ranked as the World No. 1 male tennis player.
Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer’s previous record of 310 weeks and continues to extend his dominance.
Fun Fact: Djokovic’s ability to stay at the top for such an extended period is attributed to his incredible discipline, focus, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic is much more than just an extraordinary tennis player.
He’s a multilingual, philanthropic, family-loving, yoga-practicing individual with an inspiring life story.
From growing up in a war-torn country to achieving greatness on the global tennis stage, Djokovic’s journey is filled with passion, resilience, and dedication.
Hopefully, these 10 interesting facts have given you a deeper insight into the life of this remarkable athlete.
Whether you’re a die-hard Djokovic fan or new to his story, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic’s impact on the world of tennis and beyond will be remembered for generations to come.
