Novak Djokovic[a] (born 22 May 1987) is a Serbian professionaltennis player. He has been ranked as theworld No. 1 in men's singles by theAssociation of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for a record 428 weeks, and finished as theyear-end No. 1 a record eight times. Djokovic has won 101ATP Tour–level singles titles, including a record 24majors (among which a record tenAustralian Open titles), a record 40Masters, a record sevenyear-end championships, and anOlympic gold medal. Djokovic is the only man in tennis history to be the reigning champion of all four majors at once across three different surfaces. In singles, he is the only man to achieve atriple Career Grand Slam, and the only player to complete aCareer Golden Masters, a feat he has accomplished twice. Djokovic is the only player in singles to have wonall of the Big Titles over the course of his career.
Djokovic began his professional career in 2003. In 2008, at age 20, he disruptedRoger Federer andRafael Nadal's streak of 11 consecutive majors by winning his first major title at theAustralian Open. By 2010, Djokovic had begun to separate himself from the rest of the field and, as a result, the trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was referred to as the "Big Three" among fans and commentators. In2011, Djokovic ascended to No. 1 for the first time, winning three majors and a then-record five Masters titles while going 10–1 against Nadal and Federer. He remained the most successful player in men's tennis for the rest of the decade. Djokovic had his most successful season in2015, reaching a record 15 consecutive finals and winning a record 10 Big Titles while earning a record 31 victories over top 10 players. His dominant run extended through to the2016 French Open, where he completed his firstCareer Grand Slam and anon-calendar year Grand Slam, becoming the first man sinceRod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors simultaneously and setting a rankings points record of 16,950.
In 2017, Djokovic suffered from an elbow injury that weakened his results until the2018 Wimbledon Championships, where he won the title while ranked No. 21 in the world. Djokovic then returned to a dominant status, winning 12 major titles and completing his second and third Career Grand Slams. Due to his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine, he was forced to skip many tournaments in 2022, notably theAustralian Open and theUS Open, beingdeported from the country in the former case. One year after the Australian visa controversy, he made a successful comeback to reclaim the2023 Australian Open trophy, and shortly after claimed the all-time record for most men's singles majors titles. In 2024, he became the only player to complete a career sweep of the Big Titles.
Beyond competition, Djokovic was elected as the president of the ATP Player Council in 2016. He stepped down in 2020 to front a new player-only tennis association, theProfessional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which he co-founded withVasek Pospisil, citing the need for players to have more influence on the tour and advocating better prize money structure for lower-ranked players. Djokovic is an active philanthropist. He is the founder of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which is committed to supporting children from disadvantaged communities. Djokovic was appointed aUNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2015.
Djokovic began playing tennis at the age of four,[8] after his parents gave him a mini-racket and a soft foam ball, which his father said became "the most beloved toy in his life".[9] His parents then sent him to a tennis camp inNovi Sad.[10] In the summer of 1993, as a six-year-old, he was sent to a tennis camp organized by theTeniski Klub Partizan and overseen by Yugoslav tennis playerJelena Genčić[10][11] atMount Kopaonik, where Djokovic's parents ran a fast-food parlour.[9][12][13] Genčić worked with Djokovic over the following six years, convincing him to hit his backhand with two hands instead of the single hand used by his idol,Pete Sampras.[14][15] Djokovic has credited Genčić for "shaping my mind as a human being, but also as a professional".[16][17]
During theYugoslav Wars in the late 1990s, Serbia had to endureembargoes[17] andNATO bombings[12][14] because of theKosovo War.[8][18] At one point Djokovic had to train inside a disused swimming pool converted into a tennis court.[19] Due to his rapid development, Genčić contactedNikola Pilić and in September 1999 Djokovic moved to the Pilić tennis academy inOberschleißheim, Germany, spending four years there.[12][20] Pilić made him serve against a wall for several months to improve his technique, and he had him working with a rubber exercise band for a year to improve flexibility in his wrist.[12] One of the players he trained with at the Niki Pilić academy was future world No. 10Ernests Gulbis, with whom he allegedly had a fiery rivalry.[21][22]
His father also took him to train at academies in the United States, Italy, and Germany.[9] Because of the high cost of traveling and training his father took out high-interest loans to help pay for his son's tennis education, putting Djokovic under immense pressure to deliver.[12][14] He believes the impact this had on him could be the reason behind his prowess under pressure.[10][12]
He met his future wife, Jelena Ristić, in high school, and began dating her in 2005.[23] The two became engaged in September 2013,[24] and on 10 July 2014 the couple were married on Montenegro'sSveti Stefan island, in the Church ofSaint Stephen (Serbian:Црква Светог Архиђакона Стефана).[25][26] He and Ristić had their first child, a boy, in October 2014.[27][28] Their daughter was born in 2017.[29]
Djokovic is a self-described fan of languages, speakingSerbian, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish to varying levels of proficiency.[30][31][32]
In 2002, now competing in U16 events, Djokovic won two major tournaments in France: the Derby Cadets inLa Baule, defeatingGaël Monfils in the final,[40] andLe Pontet inAvignon.[41] In September, he won his first ITF title inPančevo,[2] winning all matches in straight sets, including over No. 1 seedDavid Savić in the final.[42] In November, Djokovic won the Prince Cup inMiami, defeating Stephen Bass in the final,[42] shortly before competing at theJunior Orange Bowl, where he reached the third round before losing toMarcos Baghdatis.[42]
Overall, Djokovic compiled a 40–11 singles and 23–6 doubles record in juniors, achieving a combined junior world ranking of No. 24 in February 2004.[43] His best junior Grand Slam result was reaching thesemifinals of the 2004 Australian Open. He also competed at the2003 French Open and2003 US Open.
2003–2005: Start of professional career
Djokovic played his first professional match in January 2003 at aFutures event in Oberschleißheim after receiving a wildcard fromNiki Pilić, narrowly losing toAlex Rădulescu.[1] He won his first Futures title inBelgrade later that year and ended 2003 ranked No. 687.[44] In 2004, he recorded his first officialATP win during aDavis Cup match againstJanis Skroderis,[45] and later claimed his firstChallenger title inBudapest on his 17th birthday, beatingDaniele Bracciali in the final.[46] He made hisATP Tour main draw debut at theCroatia Open Umag and ended the year ranked No. 186.[44]
On 9 April 2006, Djokovic secured a Davis Cup win forSerbia and Montenegro by defeatingGreg Rusedski in four sets, giving his team a 3–1 lead overGreat Britain and retaining their place in theGroup One Euro/African Zone.[51] Around this time, the media reported his family had discussions with theLawn Tennis Association about representing Great Britain.[51] Djokovic, then world No. 64, initially dismissed the story, calling it a kind gesture following the tie.[52] In 2009, he confirmed the talks were serious but chose to represent Serbia, stating he felt a strong national identity and wanted to remain true to it.[53]
At theFrench Open, Djokovic, then world No. 63, defeated ninth seedFernando González en route to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, where he retired againstRafael Nadal after two sets in their first career meeting, launching theirhistoric rivalry.[54] His performance pushed him into the top 40. AtWimbledon, he reached the fourth round before losing toMario Ančić in five sets.[55] Djokovic claimed his first ATP title at theDutch Open inAmersfoort, defeatingNicolás Massú in the final without dropping a set.[54] He won his second title at theMoselle Open inMetz, beatingJürgen Melzer, and broke into the top 20.[54][56] He also made his first Masters quarterfinal atMadrid.[57] He ended the season ranked No. 16, the youngest in the top 20.[58]
2007: First Masters title and major final, top 3
Djokovic began 2007 by winning theAdelaide title, then reached the fourth round of the2007 Australian Open, losing to eventual championRoger Federer in straight sets.[59] Strong showings at theIndian Wells andMiami Masters, where he finished runner-up and champion, respectively, propelled him into the top 10.[54] In Miami, he defeatedRafael Nadal in the quarterfinals andGuillermo Cañas in the final, earning his first Masters title and becoming the youngest champion there sinceAndre Agassi in 1990.[60][61]He helped Serbia defeatGeorgia in theDavis Cup, contributing a singles win.[62] On clay, he won theEstoril Open againstRichard Gasquet and reached the quarterfinals inRome andHamburg, losing to Nadal andCarlos Moyá, respectively. At theFrench Open, he made his first major semifinal, falling to Nadal.[63]AtWimbledon, Djokovic won a five-hour quarterfinal overMarcos Baghdatis before retiring in the semifinals against Nadal due to elbow issues.[64][65]
Djokovic during his first round match at the2007 US Open
Djokovic's breakthrough continued at theCanadian Open, where he defeated world No. 3Andy Roddick, No. 2Nadal, and No. 1Federer to claim the title.[66] He became the first player sinceBoris Becker in 1994 to beat the top three-ranked players in a single event, and only the second afterTomáš Berdych to defeat Federer and Nadal as world No. 1 and 2.Björn Borg remarked that Djokovic was "definitely a contender to win a Grand Slam."[67][68] Djokovic would then go on to reach his first major final at theUS Open, where he had five set points in the first set and two in the second set, but lost them all before losing the match in straight sets to the top-seeded Federer.[69] He won his fifth title of the year at theVienna Open, defeatingStanislas Wawrinka in the final,[70] and finishing the year ranked No. 3.
Djokovic began the year at theHopman Cup alongside fellow SerbianJelena Janković. He won all four of his singles matches, including a final win over Mardy Fish, but Serbia lost the decisive mixed doubles rubber against the United States.[71] The event also marked his first competitive match againstSerena Williams.[72]At theAustralian Open, Djokovic reached the final without dropping a set, defeating two-time defending championRoger Federer in the semifinals.[73] By reaching the semis, he became the youngest Open Era player to make the last four at all four majors.[74] He beat unseededJo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets in the final, claiming his first Grand Slam singles title.[75] It was the first major title since the 2005 Australian Open not won byRoger Federer orRafael Nadal.[75]
Djokovic then reached the semifinals inDubai and won titles atIndian Wells and theItalian Open, his third and fourth Masters titles, respectively. He lost to Nadal in the semifinals of bothHamburg and the2008 French Open.[76]On grass, he fell to Nadal in theQueen's Club final and suffered a second-round loss atWimbledon toMarat Safin, ending a streak of five straight major semifinals.[77]He was a quarterfinalist at theRogers Cup and a finalist inCincinnati, ending Nadal's 32-match win streak in the semis.[78] In the final, he again lost toAndy Murray. At the2008 Summer Olympics, he earned a bronze medal in the singles event and exited in the first round in doubles with partnerNenad Zimonjić.
Djokovic opened the season by winning theAustralian Open, dropping just one set and defeatingRoger Federer in the semifinals andAndy Murray in the final to claim his second title in Melbourne.[104][105]He continued his run by beating Federer in the final of theDubai Championships.[106] AtIndian Wells andMiami, he defeated both Federer andRafael Nadal to claim back-to-back Masters 1000 titles[107]—becoming only the third player to beat both in the same event twice.[108][109]After winning theSerbia Open, he extended his unbeaten streak with titles inMadrid and theItalian Open, defeating Nadal in straight sets in both finals—his first wins over Nadal on clay after nine straight losses.[110][111]At theFrench Open, Djokovic reached the semifinals before falling to Federer in four sets—his first loss of the year, snapping a 43-match win streak and ending a perfect 41–0 start to the season.[112][113]Five weeks later, Djokovic claimed his firstWimbledon title, defeating Nadal in the final, and secured the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in his career.[114] Federer served for the match and had two match points in the US Open semi-finals, but Djokovic won in five sets.[115]He then beat Nadal in four sets in the final for his first US Open title and third major in 2011.[116]
Djokovic began the season by winning theAustralian Open, defeatingDavid Ferrer in the quarterfinals andAndy Murray in a five-set semifinal lasting 4 hours and 50 minutes. He faced off againstRafael Nadal in their third consecutive major final meeting after last year's Wimbledon and US Open. Djokovic won in 5 hours and 53 minutes, which was the longest major final and longest match in Australian Open history.Djokovic then lost toJohn Isner in the semifinals ofIndian Wells but retained hisMiami title by defeating Murray. Djokovic fell to Nadal in the finals of bothMonte Carlo and theItalian Open.At theFrench Open, he reached his first final at the tournament, defeatingRoger Federer in the semis. Attempting to hold all four majors at once, he lost to Nadal in four sets. AtWimbledon, he was again beaten by Federer in the semifinals.
Djokovic was Serbia's flag bearer at the2012 Summer Olympics in London. He beatJo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the semifinals but lost to Murray and then toJuan Martín del Potro in the bronze medal match, finishing fourth. He defended hisRogers Cup title, dropping just one set, but lost theCincinnati Open final to Federer. At the US Open, Djokovic lost in the final in five sets to Murray.[117]
Djokovic began the year by winning theMubadala World Tennis Championship. At theAustralian Open, he reached the quarterfinals with four straight-set wins before losing toStanislas Wawrinka in five sets, ending his 25-match win streak in Melbourne and 14 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals.[138]He won theIndian Wells Masters, defeatingRoger Federer, and theMiami Masters by beatingRafael Nadal. A wrist injury affected hisMonte Carlo campaign, where he lost to Federer in the semifinals. After recovery, he won theItalian Open over Nadal and donated his $500,000 prize to victims of the2014 Southeast Europe floods.[139][140]At theFrench Open, Djokovic dropped only two sets en route to the final but lost to Nadal in four sets, his first loss to him after four wins.[141]Djokovic won his secondWimbledon title by defeating Federer in five sets in the final, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking.[142] He suffered early exits at theCanadian Open (toJo-Wilfried Tsonga) and Cincinnati (toTommy Robredo). At theUS Open, he reached the semifinals but lost toKei Nishikori.[143]He won a fifthChina Open title in six years, and after a semifinal loss to Federer inShanghai, claimed theParis Masters without dropping a set.[144][145]At theATP Finals, he set a record by dropping just nine games in the round-robin stage. By reaching the semifinals, Djokovic secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the third time, tying Nadal for the fifth most.
2015: Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open titles, six Masters
Djokovic started 2015 at theQatar Open in Doha, winning his first two rounds easily but losing in the quarterfinals toIvo Karlović. He bounced back at theAustralian Open, reaching the final without dropping a set until a tough semifinal against defending championStan Wawrinka. Djokovic won the final againstAndy Murray in four sets, earning a record fifth Australian Open title and moving into equal eighth on the all-time Major titles list.[146]He then finished runner-up toRoger Federer at theDubai Championships. Shortly after, Djokovic won his 21stMasters title atIndian Wells, defeating Federer in the final.[147] He followed this with a fifth title atMiami, beating Andy Murray, and became the first player to win theIndian Wells–Miami double three times.[148]In April, Djokovic won theMonte-Carlo Masters for the second time, becoming the first man to win the first threeMasters 1000 events of the season.[149] He withdrew from the2015 Madrid Masters but then captured theRome Masters, making it 4 Masters titles out of 4 entered that season.At theFrench Open, Djokovic reached the final without dropping a set in the first five rounds, including a win overRafael Nadal and a marathon semifinal againstAndy Murray. However, he lost the final toStan Wawrinka.[150] Five weeks later, Djokovic came back from two sets down to beatKevin Anderson in the fourth round and won his thirdWimbledon title, defeating Federer in four sets.[151]Djokovic had the chance to complete theCareer Golden Masters at theCincinnati Masters but lost the final to Federer. He would complete the feat in later years.[152] At theUS Open, Djokovic reached his sixth final, beating Federer in four sets to win his third Grand Slam of the year and tenth overall, becoming only the fifth man in the Open Era with double-digit Grand Slam titles.[153]He then won theChina Open for a sixth time, defeating Nadal in the final to improve his unbeaten record at the tournament to 29–0.[154] Djokovic capped off the year by winning theParis Masters and theATP Finals, his 10th and 11th titles of the year, respectively. This also marked his 15th consecutive final, winning 10 Big Titles over the season and a record 31 wins over top 10 players.[155]
2016: 'Nole Slam', four Masters titles, and ranking points record
Djokovic won his 60th career title inDoha, defeatingRafael Nadal in 73 minutes. He broke his ATP ranking points record, reaching 16,790. Djokovic then claimed his sixthAustralian Open, beatingRoger Federer in the semifinals andAndy Murray in the final.[156] After recovering from an eye infection at theDubai Championships, he won his fifthIndian Wells Masters title, beating Nadal andMilos Raonic. Djokovic's dominance meant world Nos. 2 and 3 combined points still wouldn't surpass him.[157]On 3 April 2016, Djokovic won theMiami Open without dropping a set, claiming his sixth title and tyingAndre Agassi's record.[158] This was his fourthSunshine Double, the most in history, and third consecutive. The win made him the all-time ATP prize money leader with $98.2 million.[159] After an early exit at theMonte-Carlo Masters,[160] Djokovic won theMadrid Open, beating Murray in the final.[161] The next week at theRome Masters, Murray defeated Djokovic; Djokovic still beat Nadal andKei Nishikori in earlier rounds.[162]Djokovic won theFrench Open, defeating Murray in four sets, completing the historicNole Slam.[163][164] This made Djokovic the eighth player to achieve aCareer Grand Slam, third afterDon Budge andRod Laver to hold all four major titles simultaneously, and the first to earn $100 million in prize money.[165] His ranking points rose to a record 16,950.[166][167]AtWimbledon, Djokovic's 30-match Grand Slam winning streak ended with a third-round loss toSam Querrey, his earliest Slam exit since the 2009 French Open.[168]In late July, Djokovic returned to form, winning his fourthCanadian Open title, his 30th Masters overall. At the US Open, he lost the final to Wawrinka in four sets.[169]
In January, Djokovic defended his title inDoha, defeating world No. 1Andy Murray. At theAustralian Open, he lost in the second round to No. 117Denis Istomin, marking his first early exit since 2007 and his first loss at a major to a player outside the top 100.[170] In February and March, he was eliminated before the semifinals byNick Kyrgios at theMexican Open andIndian Wells Masters. In April, Djokovic reached the quarterfinals of theMonte-Carlo Masters, losing toDavid Goffin. He then split with longtime coachMarián Vajda, fitness coachGebhard Phil-Gritsch, and physiotherapist Miljan Amanović to find a new spark. He reached the semifinals at theMadrid Masters, losing toRafael Nadal, and was runner-up at theRome Masters.On 21 May, Djokovic announcedAndre Agassi as his new coach, starting at theFrench Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals toDominic Thiem. He began the grass season at theEastbourne International, winning the title by beatingGaël Monfils—his only tournament win without Vajda until their 2022 split. AtWimbledon, he retired in the quarterfinals againstTomáš Berdych due to an elbow injury.[171]On 26 July, Djokovic announced he would miss theUS Open and the rest of the season to recover from his injury.[172] This ended his streak of 51 consecutive Grand Slam appearances since his debut in 2005.[173]
In the second-longest Wimbledon semifinal to date, Djokovic beat Nadal in five sets played over two days.[180] Djokovic then defeatedKevin Anderson in the final in straight sets to win his fourth Wimbledon title and 13th overall major title.[181] At the US Open, Djokovic defeatedJuan Martín del Potro in straight sets, winning his third US Open and 14th major title overall.[182]
At the inaugural2020 ATP Cup, Djokovic led Serbia to victory with six wins, including overDaniil Medvedev in the semifinals andRafael Nadal in the final.[200] At theAustralian Open, he beatRoger Federer in the semifinals and defeatedDominic Thiem in five sets in the final, earning his eighth Australian Open and 17thGrand Slam title.[201] He regained the world No. 1 ranking[202] and became the first player in theOpen Era to win Grand Slams in three different decades. It was also his first comeback win from two sets to one down in a major final.[203] Djokovic then claimed his fifth title at theDubai Championships, defeatingStefanos Tsitsipas in the final.[204][205]In June, during theAdria Tour he organized, Djokovic tested positive forCOVID-19, along with several other participants, prompting criticism over the event's lack of safety protocols.[206][207][208] Djokovic later apologized, saying they believed the tournament met all health guidelines, but acknowledged they "were wrong".[209] He later described the criticism as part of a "witch hunt".[210] Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open during his fourth-round match after taking a ball and hitting it towards the advertising hoarding, unintentionally striking a lineswoman in the process.[211][212] Djokovic lost in straight sets in the French Open final to Nadal.[213]
At theFrench Open, he beat Nadal in a four-set semifinal and came from two sets down to defeat Tsitsipas in the final.[220] He became the first man in the Open Era to win a major after coming from two sets down twice in the same event,[221] and the first to win all four majors at least twice in theOpen Era.[222][223][224]AtWimbledon, he earned his 100th grass-court win en route to the final,[225] where he defeatedMatteo Berrettini to win his sixth title and 20th major, tyingFederer andNadal. He became the second man to win majors on all three surfaces in a single year (a "Surface Slam"),[226] and the fifth in the Open Era to achieve theChannel Slam (French Open and Wimbledon in the same year).[227]At the2020 Summer Olympics, Djokovic sought a gold medal, but lost toAlexander Zverev in the semifinals and toPablo Carreño Busta in the bronze match.[228] Inmixed doubles, partneringNina Stojanović, they reached the semifinals but withdrew from the bronze medal match due to Djokovic's shoulder injury.[229] Djokovic entered the US Open in contention for theGrand Slam, a feat in men's singles tennis achieved only byDon Budge in 1938 andRod Laver in 1962 and 1969. Djokovic defeated Zverev in five sets in the semifinals. In the final, he "looked subdued throughout as he made a high number of uncharacteristic errors" and lost to Medvedev in straight sets.[230]
Djokovic was set to start his 2022 season at theATP Cup inSydney but withdrew.[231] To compete in theAustralian Open, players were required to be vaccinated againstCOVID-19 or have a medical exemption. Djokovic received an exemption fromTennis Australia and theDepartment of Health (Victoria), citing a positive COVID-19 test on 16 December 2021.[232]He was granted a visa on 18 November 2021 and arrived in Melbourne on 5 January, but was detained by theAustralian Border Force for failing to meet entry requirements for unvaccinated travellers.[233] Djokovic later admitted an error in his travel declaration form, as he had been in Spain shortly before arriving.[234] His visa was cancelled, and he was held in a detention hotel pending appeal.[235]On 10 January, theFederal Circuit and Family Court of Australia ruled in Djokovic's favour, ordering his release and noting that he was denied sufficient time to consult with lawyers and tennis officials before his interview.[236]However, on 14 January,Alex Hawke, theMinister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, cancelled Djokovic's visa again under theMigration Act 1958, citing concerns for public health and order.[237] TheFederal Court of Australia upheld the decision, and Djokovic was deported on 16 January.[238]
2022: After Australia
In February, Djokovic returned to theDubai Championships, where vaccination was not required.[239] He lost in the quarterfinals toJiří Veselý, resulting in the loss of hisworld No. 1 ranking toDaniil Medvedev. It was the first time since 2004 that a player outside theBig Four held the top spot.[240]Djokovic withdrew from theIndian Wells Masters andMiami Open due to U.S. entry restrictions on unvaccinated foreigners.[241] Despite not playing, he regained No. 1 when Medvedev lost early at Indian Wells.[242]He began his clay season at theMonte-Carlo Masters, losing his opening match toDavidovich Fokina.[243] At theSerbia Open, he reached the final but lost toAndrey Rublev.[244] In May, he was beaten byCarlos Alcaraz in theMadrid Open semifinals.[245] A week later, he won theItalian Open, his sixth title there and a record-extending 38th Masters crown, after defeatingStefanos Tsitsipas in the final. In the semis, he claimed his 1,000th career win by beatingCasper Ruud.[246][247]At theFrench Open, he advanced to the quarterfinals without dropping a set, but lost toRafael Nadal in their record 59th match, ending his title defense and again dropping to No. 2.[248]AtWimbledon, he earned his 80th win at each major with a first-round victory overKwon Soon-woo, becoming the first player to do so.[249] He reached a record 32nd Grand Slam final after defeatingCameron Norrie in the semifinals[250] and beatNick Kyrgios in four sets to claim his seventh Wimbledon and 21st major title, surpassingRoger Federer and moving one behind Nadal.[251][252]Due to U.S. travel restrictions for unvaccinated foreigners, Djokovic was unable to enter the country and withdrew from theUS Open.[253]
2023: Record-breaking 24th major & 7th ATP Finals titles
AtWimbledon, Djokovic reached his 9th final but lost to Alcaraz in five sets, ending a 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon.[259] Djokovic then won theCincinnati Open, beating Alcaraz in 3 hours and 49 minutes in the longest best-of-three-set ATP final, hailed as one of the greatest matches ever.[260] At theUS Open, he triumphed over Medvedev in straight sets to win his fourth US Open title and a record-extending 24th men's singlesmajor title overall.[261][262] Djokovic became the oldest US Open men's singles champion in the Open Era.[263][264]
Djokovic ended his season by winning theATP Finals, clinching the year-end No.1 ranking for a record eighth time.[265]
2024: Olympic gold, Career Super Slam, oldest ATP No. 1
At theAustralian Open, Djokovic reached the semifinals but lost to world No. 4Jannik Sinner in four sets, ending his 33-match win streak at the event and marking his first semifinal defeat there. He called it "one of the worst Grand Slam matches I've ever played".[266] Nonetheless, he equaledRoger Federer's record of 58 Grand Slam singles quarterfinals[267] and retained his world No. 1 ranking.AtIndian Wells Masters, he lost in the third round toLuca Nardi, ranked No. 123—the lowest-ranked player to defeat him at a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam.[268] At the2024 Monte-Carlo Masters, he reached the semifinals but lost toCasper Ruud. InRome, after being accidentally struck by a water bottle post-match,[269] he lost in the third round toAlejandro Tabilo. At the2024 Geneva Open, he earned his 1,100th career win on his 37th birthday, becoming the third man in theOpen Era to reach that mark, and holding the highest win percentage among them (83.5%).[270]At theFrench Open, Djokovic survived a five-set match againstLorenzo Musetti that ended at 3:07 a.m.—the latest finish in tournament history.[271] In the fourth round, he defeatedFrancisco Cerúndolo in his longest French Open match (4h39m), surpassing Federer's records for most Grand Slam match wins and quarterfinal appearances.[272] However, he suffered a tornmedial meniscus in his right knee during that match and withdrew before the quarterfinals, losing the No. 1 ranking to Sinner.[273]At theWimbledon Championships, Djokovic reached his 37th Grand Slam final, aiming to equal Federer's record of eight titles, but lost in straight sets toCarlos Alcaraz in a repeat of the 2023 final.[274][275] At the2024 Summer Olympics, Djokovic defeatedMatthew Ebden,Rafael Nadal,Dominik Koepfer,Stefanos Tsitsipas, andLorenzo Musetti to reach his first Olympic final.[276] He then beatCarlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win thegold medal, completing aCareer Golden Slam and Career Super Slam.[277]
Djokovic opened the 2025 season at theBrisbane International, losing toReilly Opelka in the quarterfinals.[278] His second-round match at theAustralian Open marked his 430th career major main draw singles match, surpassing Roger Federer's all-time record.[279] He beatCarlos Alcaraz in four sets in the quarter finals.[280] Djokovic retired in his semifinal match againstAlexander Zverev due to a muscle tear after only one set was played.[281]
AtDoha, he lost toMatteo Berrettini in the first round. This marked the first time Djokovic lost in any first round since the2016 Summer Olympics. Djokovic's next tournament was theIndian Wells Open, where he suffered a second-round defeat to lucky loserBotic van de Zandschulp – the 2nd year in a row where he lost to a lucky loser at the same tournament, followingLuca Nardi.
At the2025 Miami Open, Djokovic beat lucky loserCamilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round to claim his record 411th career main draw win at the Masters 1000 level, surpassing Nadal's previous record of 410.[282] He lost in the final toJakub Menšík.
In May 2025, it was announced that Andy Murray would no longer be working as Djokovic's coach, by mutual agreement reached after Djokovic began working with Murray in November 2024.[283] Djokovic took a last minute entry to the2025 Geneva Open, where he defeatedHubert Hurkacz in the final to claim the 100th ATP singles title of his career, becoming the first ever tennis player to win at least one ATP singles title in twenty consecutive seasons, and the 3rd tennis player in the Open Era to have won 100 or more career titles (afterJimmy Connors and Federer).[284]At theFrench Open, Djokovic reached a record-extending 51st major semifinal, where he lost in straight sets to world No. 1Jannik Sinner.[285][286] By winning the quarterfinals, he recorded his 101st win at the tournament, the second most afterRafael Nadal. AtWimbledon, Djokovic was again defeated by Sinner in the semifinal (his record-extending 52nd semifinal), with Djokovic noting that the "age, the wear and tear of the body" meant he was limited in his ability to beat players like Sinner or Alcaraz. It was the first time he failed to make the Wimbledon final since 2017.[287] At the US Open, he lost in straight sets in the semi-finals to Alcaraz.[288]
Djokovic andRafael Nadal's rivalry is the most prolific in men's tennis in theOpen Era. The two faced each other 60 times, with Djokovic leading 31–29.[289][290] Djokovic leads on hard courts 20–7, while Nadal leads on clay 20–9, and they are tied on grass 2–2.[291]
Djokovic and Federer after their semifinal match at the2011 US Open
Djokovic and Roger Federer's rivalry is considered to be one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history. They faced each other 50 times, with Djokovic leading 27–23, including 13–6 in finals (not including a2014 walkover in favor of Djokovic). Djokovic leads on hard courts 20–18 and on grass 3–1, and they are split 4–4 on clay.[302]
Djokovic andAndy Murray met 36 times, with Djokovic leading 25–11.[308] Djokovic leads on hard courts 20–8 and 5–1 on clay, while Murray won their two matches on grass. Djokovic and Murray are one of two pairs to have met in each of the four major finals (the other pair being Djokovic and Nadal). The two are almost exactly the same age, with Murray being a week older than Djokovic, so they progressed through the ranks of the junior circuit together, and Murray was the winner of the first match they ever played as teenagers atLesPetits As in 2001.[33] They were the2015 and2016 year-end top two players in the world, with the battle for the 2016 year-end No. 1 only being decided in the final of theWorld Tour Finals, which was won by Murray in straight sets.[309]
Djokovic andStan Wawrinka have met 27 times, with Djokovic leading 21–6. Although this rivalry is lopsided in favor of Djokovic, the two have contested numerous close matches, including four five-setters at the majors.[313] Wawrinka and Djokovic have met in three consecutive Australian Opens – with each match going to five sets – and a five-setter in the US Open. In the2013 Australian Open fourth round, Djokovic won 12–10 in a fifth set, with the match being considered one of the best ever played;[314] at the2013 US Open semifinals, Djokovic won 6–4 in the fifth set; at the2014 Australian Open quarterfinals, Wawrinka won 9–7 in the fifth.[315] Wawrinka's win broke Djokovic's run of 14 consecutive major semifinals and ended a 28-match winning streak, and Wawrinka went on to win his first major title at the tournament.[316] Djokovic got revenge the next year at the2015 Australian Open, winning 6–0 in the fifth set.[317]
Despite Djokovic's 21–6 overall record against Wawrinka, Wawrinka leads Djokovic 3–2 inATP finals, two of which in major finals.[320] During Djokovic's run of 13 major finals from the 2014 Wimbledon Championships through the 2020 Australian Open, his only two losses were to Wawrinka. Contrary to most high-profile rivalries, the pair have also played doubles together.[321]
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Djokovic andJo-Wilfried Tsonga met 23 times, with Djokovic leading 17–6.[322] Their first meeting was in the final of the2008 Australian Open, which Djokovic won in four sets to win his first major singles title.[322] Tsonga got revenge in their next meeting at the majors, the2010 Australian Open quarterfinals, winning in five sets after Djokovic fell ill during the match.[323] Djokovic then won their next match at the2011 Wimbledon semifinals to advance to his first final there, claiming the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in the process.[324] They met again in the quarterfinals of the 2012 French Open, which Djokovic won in five sets after over four hours.[325] They then played a further three matches in 2012, in the quarterfinals of theOlympics, the final of theChina Open, and in the round robin stage of theATP Finals, with Djokovic winning all of them in straight sets.[322] Their final major meeting was in the second round of the2019 Australian Open, which Djokovic won in straight sets.[322]
Juan Martín del Potro
Djokovic andJuan Martín del Potro met 20 times, with Djokovic leading 16–4.[326] Djokovic won their first four meetings before back-to-back victories for del Potro at the 2011 Davis Cup and their Bronze medal match at the2012 Summer Olympics in straight sets. Djokovic won the next four matches before he lost to del Potro at the2013 Indian Wells Masters, where the Argentine made his second career Masters final. Djokovic got the upper hand on the rivalry once again by winning two of the most important matches between them to date: an epic five-setter at the2013 Wimbledon Championships semifinals (which was the longest Wimbledon semifinal at the time),[327] and a thrilling three-setter at the2013 Shanghai Masters final. Del Potro upset Djokovic in the first round at the2016 Rio Olympics inRio en route to the final. In 2018, Djokovic defeated del Potro in three close sets in the final of theUS Open, which was the first Grand Slam final for del Potro since his2009 US Open victory. They played their last match at the2019 Italian Open quarterfinal, which Djokovic won in a dramatic three-setter after saving two match points.
Djokovic andDaniil Medvedev have met 15 times, with Djokovic leading 10–5.[328][329] They have contested 4 Grand Slam matches, with Djokovic leading 3–1. Their first Grand Slam match came at the2019 Australian Open 4th round, which Djokovic won in 4 sets. Their next 3 encounters at the Majors came in finals, with Djokovic winning the2021 Australian Open and the2023 US Open finals, and Medvedev winning his first major title at the2021 US Open against Djokovic in the final, also ending Djokovic's quest for a calendar-year Grand Slam.[330] Medvedev replaced Djokovic as the world No. 1 player when he rose to the top ranking for the first time in February 2022.[331] All 3 Grand Slam finals between Djokovic and Medvedev were straight set wins. The second set of the 2023 US Open, which Djokovic eventually won in a tiebreaker after a grueling 104-minute battle, was one of the longest sets in US Open history.[332]
Other rivalries
Carlos Alcaraz
Djokovic andCarlos Alcaraz have met nine times, with Djokovic leading 5–4.[333] Despite a 16-year age gap, their rivalry has remained remarkably competitive.Their first meeting was at the2022 Madrid Masters semifinals, in which Alcaraz prevailed in a deciding set tiebreaker. Their next meeting was in the semifinals of the2023 French Open, a highly anticipated showdown promoted by media and theATP itself.[334][335][336][337] Djokovic won in four sets, with the match competitive until Alcaraz faltered at the start of the third set due to cramps from mental pressure and physical intensity.[338]They would meet again soon after in the2023 Wimbledon final, in which Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in an epic five-setter that lasted 4 hours and 42 minutes, ending his hopes for the calendar Grand Slam and his decade-long, record 45-matchCentre Court win streak.[339] The pair followed with another epic at the2023 Cincinnati Masters final, with Djokovic prevailing in three tightly contested sets. The match was the longest best-of-three-setsATP Tour final and the longest match in the tournament's history, at 3 hours and 49 minutes, and was immediately heralded as one of the best matches ever.[340][341] Djokovic won from a set down and down a break in the second set, along with saving a championship point in the second-set tiebreaker.[342][343]Djokovic and Alcaraz met twice in the summer of 2024, both in high-profile finals. On July 14, Alcaraz cruised to victory in straight sets against Djokovic ina rematch of the previous year's Wimbledon final. Three weeks later, on August 4, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz inthe Olympics final held atRoland Garros. Neither player was broken on serve across two long tie-break sets, with Djokovic claiming both to complete thecareer Golden Slam.[344] JournalistSteve Flink called it "the best two-set match I have ever seen".[345]Both players met again in the quarterfinals of2025 Australian Open, in which Djokovic won in four sets[346] and in the semifinals of2025 US Open, in which Alcaraz won in straight sets.
Player profile
Playing style
Djokovic is anaggressive baseline player.[347] His groundstrokes from both wings are consistent, deep, and penetrating. His backhand is widely regarded as the greatest two-handed backhand of all time, due to its effectiveness on both sides of the court and its accuracy.[348][349][350] His best shot is his backhand down the line, with great pace and precision. He excels at returning serve in particular, and regularly ranks among the tour leaders in return points, return games, and break points won. His forehand is deemed to be underrated, yet one of the best, due to its versatility.[351] After great technical difficulties during the 2009 season (coinciding with his switch to theHead racket series), hisserve is one of his major weapons again, winning him many free points; his first serve is typically hit flat, while he prefers to slice and kick his second serves wide.[347] He has also led theATP Tour in their career "Under Pressure Rating" statistic, in part because of his prowess at winning deciding sets.[352]
Djokovic has been described as one of the fittest and most complete athletes in sports history, with high agility, court coverage, and mobility, which allows him to hit winners from seemingly indefensible positions.[353][354] Because of this, coupled with flexibility and length, he rarely getsaced.Todd Martin, who coached Djokovic between 2009 and 2010, noted that:[355]
His athleticism is from another world. His return of serve is way better than any other return of serve ever, and I mean way better. Nobody has gotten so many balls back and neutralized so many good serves.
Djokovic's return of serve is a big weapon for him, with which he can be both offensive and defensive. He is highly efficient off both the forehand and backhand return, often getting the return in play deep with pace, neutralizing the advantage the server usually has in a point.Andre Agassi described Djokovic's return of serve as "the precedent-setting standard for the return".[356][357] Occasionally, Djokovic employs a well-disguised backhand underspindrop shot and sliced backhand.
I had a big privilege and honour to meet personally today Mr.Laver, and he is one of the biggest, and greatest players ever to play the game, thank you for staying this late, sir, thank you ... even though it would actually be better if we played a couple times serve and volley, but we don't know to play ... we are mostly around here [points to the area near the baseline], we are running, you know, around the baseline ...
In assessing Djokovic's 2011 season,Jimmy Connors said that Djokovic gives his opponents problems by playing "a little bit old-school, taking the ball earlier, catching the ball on the rise, (and) driving the ball flat." Connors adds that a lot of the topspin that Djokovic's opponents drive at him comes right into his zone, thus his ability to turn defense into offense well.[359]
Equipment
Entering the pro circuit, Djokovic used theHead Liquidmetal Radical, but changed sponsors toWilson in 2005. He could not find a Wilson racquet he liked, so Wilson agreed to make him a custom racquet to match his previous one with Head.[360] After the 2008 season, Djokovic re-signed with Head and debuted a new paint job of the Head YouTek Speed Pro at the 2009Australian Open. He then switched to the Head YouTek IG Speed (18x20) paint job in 2011, and in 2013, he again updated his paint job to the Head Graphene Speed Pro, which included an extensive promotional campaign.[361] Djokovic uses a hybrid of Head Natural Gut (gauge 16) in the mains and Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough (gauge 16L) in the crosses. He also uses Head Synthetic Leather Grip as a replacement grip.[362] In 2012, Djokovic appeared in a television commercial withMaria Sharapova promoting the use of Head rackets for various techniques, such as golf and ten-pin bowling.[363]
Djokovic has worked with numerous coaches, trainers, and advisors throughout his career. His earliest mentors wereJelena Genčić andNikola Pilić, whom he credits as foundational influences in his development. Genčić coached him in Belgrade from 1993 to 1999, while Pilić worked with him in Munich from 1999 to 2003.[14][17]In 2004 and 2005, he was coached byDejan Petrović, during which time he rose from outside the top 300 to inside the top 100.[364] From late 2005 to mid-2006, he briefly worked withRiccardo Piatti, before parting ways due to scheduling conflicts.[66][365]From 2006 to 2017, Djokovic's main coach wasMarián Vajda, who became a long-time collaborator. During this period, he also worked occasionally with specialists such asMark Woodforde (2007) andTodd Martin (2009–2010).[366]Djokovic's physical team included physiotherapistMiljan Amanović, fitness coach Ronen Bega (until 2009), and Austrian trainer Gebhard Phil-Gritsch from 2009 onward.[367][368]In 2008, he began working with Italian agentEdoardo Artaldi, who, alongside his wife Elena Capellaro, managed Djokovic's affairs and logistics.[369] Their professional relationship lasted until 2023, despite occasional tensions, such as during the final of the2023 Adelaide International 1 – Men's singles.[370]NutritionistIgor Četojević joined the team in 2010 and helped reform Djokovic's diet, contributing to his physical transformation.[367][371]
Off the court
Philanthropy
Kindergarten inJalovik village, built by the Novak Djokovic Foundation[372]
In 2007, Djokovic founded the Novak Djokovic Foundation.[373] The organization's mission is to help children from disadvantaged communities grow up and develop in stimulating and safe environments.[374][375] The foundation partnered with theWorld Bank in August 2015 to promote early childhood education in Serbia.[376][377][378] His foundation has built 50 schools as of April 2022 and are building their 51st, and supported more than 20,800 children and over a thousand families.[379][380]
Djokovic endorses Serbian telecommunications companyTelekom Srbija and German nutritional supplement brand FitLine.[393]
On turning professional in 2003, Djokovic began wearingAdidas clothing. At the end of 2009, Djokovic signed a 10-year deal with the Italian clothing companySergio Tacchini after Adidas refused to extend his clothing contract (choosing instead to signAndy Murray).[394] Tacchini doesn't make shoes, so Djokovic continued with Adidas as his choice of footwear. His sponsorship contract with Tacchini was incentive-heavy, and Djokovic's disproportionate success and dominance in 2011 caused the company to fall behind on bonus payments, leading to the termination of the sponsorship contract.[395][396]
From 2011, Djokovic began to wear custom Red and Blue Adidas Barricade 6.0's shoes, referring to the colors of theSerbian national flag. By April 2012, the Tacchini deal had fallen first short and then apart. At that point, he was set to join forces withNike, Inc.,[397] but instead, on 23 May 2012,Uniqlo appointed Djokovic as its global brand ambassador. The five-year sponsorship, reportedly worth €8 million per year,[398] began on 27 May 2012 in Paris' French Open tennis tournament. A year later, Djokovic's long-term footwear deal with Adidas was announced ahead of the 2013 French Open.[399] Since January 2018, Novak has been wearingAsics shoes.[400][401]
In August 2011, Djokovic became the brand ambassador of Swiss watch manufacturerAudemars Piguet.[402] Less than a month later, Djokovic signed a sponsorship deal with German car companyMercedes-Benz.[403] In March 2012, Djokovic was announced byBombardier Aerospace as its latestLearjet brand ambassador, thus joining the likes of actor and pilotJohn Travolta, architectFrank Gehry, maestroValery Gergiev, and classical pianistLang Lang.[404] From January 2014, Djokovic has been endorsing French car manufacturerPeugeot.[405] At the same time, he entered into an endorsement deal with Japanese watch manufacturerSeiko,[406] having just ended his affiliation with their rivals Audemars Piguet.[407] In early 2015, ahead of theAustralian Open, Djokovic teamed up with Australian banking corporationANZ for a social media campaign to raise money for local communities across the Asia Pacific region.[408][409] At the same time his partnership withJacob's Creek, an Australian wine brand owned byOrlando Wines, was announced in regards to the production and distribution of 'Made By' film series, a documentary style content meant to "show a side of Novak not seen before as he recounts never before told life stories from Belgrade, Serbia, celebrating what has made him the champion he is today."[410]
Since 2004, the business end of Djokovic's career has been handled by Israeli managersAmit Naor (former pro tennis player turned sports agent) and Allon Khakshouri,[411] a duo which also hadMarat Safin andDinara Safina as its clients. In June 2008, after the duo entered into a partnership with CAA Sports, the sports division of Hollywood talent firmCreative Artists Agency, meaning that the famous company started representing tennis players for the first time,[412] Djokovic formally signed withCAA Sports.[413] After Djokovic's contract with CAA Sports expired during the summer of 2012, he decided to switch representation, announcingIMG Worldwide as his new representatives in December 2012.[414]
On 22 May 2017, Djokovic was unveiled as a brand ambassador ofLacoste after a five-year partnership withUniqlo.[415]
During the2021 US Open, some people in Djokovic's player box wore hats and shirts bearing the logo ofRaiffeisen Bank International, the central bank of one of the two largest banking cooperatives in Austria. In April 2021, Djokovic became a brand ambassador for RBI and its subsidiaries in Central and Eastern Europe. The bank will help to support Djokovic's tennis academy inBelgrade.[416] Djokovic did not wear the RBI logo, but he did wear on his shirt the logo ofUKG, an Americanworkforce management andhuman resource management company. People in his box wore the logo on hats as well. UKG lists Djokovic as one of their sponsored athletes.[417]
Investments
In 2005, as Djokovic moved up the tennis rankings, he began venturing into the business world. Most of his activities in the business arena have been channeled through Family Sport, a legal entity in Serbia established and run by members of his immediate family. Registered as alimited liability company, Family Sport initially focused onhospitality, specifically the restaurant business, by launching Novak Café & Restaurant, a franchise developed on the theme of Djokovic's tennis success. Over time, the company, whose day-to-day operations are mostly handled by Novak's father, Srdjan, and uncle Goran, expanded its activities into real estate, sports/entertainment event organization, and sports apparel distribution.[418]
The company launched Novak Café & Restaurant in 2008 in the Belgrade municipality ofNovi Beograd, the flagship location in afranchised chain of theme café-restaurants. During 2009, two more locations were added—one inKragujevac and the other in Belgrade, the city's second, in September at the neighbourhood ofDorćol overlooking the playing courts ofSerbia Open, whose inaugural edition took place several months earlier.[419] On 16 December 2011, a location inNovi Sad was opened,[420] however, it operated just over three years before closing in late March 2015.[421]Banja Luka in neighbouringBosnia got its Novak Café & Restaurant location on 16 October 2015 within Hotel Trešnja on Banj hill.[422][423]
In 2009, the company bought a250-series ATP tournament known as theDutch Open and moved it to Serbia, where it was renamed theSerbia Open. With the help of Belgrade city authorities, the tournament's inaugural edition was held in May 2009 at the city-owned "Milan Gale Muškatirović" courts, located at an attractive spot in theDorćol neighbourhood.[424] The tournament folded in 2012 after four editions, and its place in the ATP calendar was taken over by theDüsseldorf Open.
In May 2015, right after winning his fourthRome Masters title, Djokovic launched a line of nutritional food products calledDjokolife.[425] On 10 April 2016, while in town for theMonte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic opened a vegan restaurant called Eqvita inMonte Carlo.[426] The restaurant reportedly closed in March 2019.[427]
Djokovic has an 80% stake in biotech firm QuantBioRes, which claims to be developing a drug to treat patients who have contractedCOVID-19.[428] Their research is based on electromagnetic frequency; one biomedical scientist likened it tohomeopathy and argued that it "does not reflect a contemporary understanding of how biochemistry works", whilePeter Collignon commented that their website "describes a way of finding a new molecule without providing any evidence of success."[429]
In August 2020, Djokovic resigned from the Players Council of theAssociation of Tennis Professionals and formed theProfessional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) withVasek Pospisil.[432] The pair serve as co-presidents of the new organization to promote the interests of male and female tennis players above a ranking of 500 in singles and 200 in doubles,[433] and wishing to give players more influence on tour.[434]
In popular culture
Throughout the latter part of the 2007 season, including before Wimbledon and duringUS Open, his comedic impressions of fellow contemporary tennis players received much media play.[435] It began when aBBC camera crew recorded some footage of the twenty-year-old impersonatingMaria Sharapova,Rafael Nadal,Goran Ivanišević, andLleyton Hewitt on a practice court at London'sQueen's Club Championships just before Wimbledon.[436] The material — consisting of Djokovic imitating the said players by exaggerating their trademark physical gestures or nervous tics for the entertainment of his coaching team,Marián Vajda andMark Woodforde — aired during the BBC's coverage of the tournament and subsequently became popular online.[437] Two months later, at the US Open, a phone video shot by Argentine players of Djokovic doing locker room impressions of players such asAndy Roddick,Roger Federer,Filippo Volandri, and Rafael Nadal made its way online, becoming viral.[436][438] A few days later, after beatingCarlos Moyá in the quarterfinals,USA Network's on-court interviewerMichael Barkann asked Djokovic to perform some impressions, and the player obliged by doing Sharapova and Nadal.[439][440][441]
In addition to Djokovic, the national surge in the popularity of tennis was also inspired by three other up-and-coming young players: twenty-year-oldAna Ivanovic, twenty-two-year-oldJelena Janković, and twenty-three-year-oldJanko Tipsarević, as evidenced in early December 2007 when a sports-entertainment show named NAJJ Srbije (The Best of Serbia), put together in honour of the four players' respective successes in the 2007 season, drew a capacity crowd to Belgrade's Kombank Arena.[442][443] In May 2008, he was a special guest during the first semifinal of theEurovision Song Contest, held in Belgrade that year. He threw a big tennis ball into the crowd, announcing the start of the voting, and together with one of the show's co-presenters,Željko Joksimović, Djokovic sangĐorđe Marjanović's song "Beograde".[444]
Djokovic is also featured in the music video for the song "Hello" byMartin Solveig andDragonette. The video, filmed atStade Roland Garros, shows Solveig facing off againstBob Sinclar, another DJ, in a tennis match. When the referee calls a crucial ball "Out", Djokovic enters the arena and convinces the referee otherwise.[447] In 2010, the Serbianblues-rock bandZona B recorded the song "The Joker", dedicating it to Djokovic.[448][449]
On 25 June 2011, at theSerbian National Defense Council's seventieth congress inChicago, Djokovic was unanimously awarded the Order of Serbian National Defense in America I class – the highest decoration of the SND. The order was given to the twenty-four-year-old for his merits on the international sports scene and his contributions to the reputation of Serbs and Serbia around the world.[450] The day after winning his firstWimbledon title and reaching theNo. 1 ranking for the first time in his career, Djokovic went home to Belgrade for a homecoming celebration in front of theSerbian National Assembly, an event attended by close to 100,000 people.[451]
On 28 November 2011, after returning from London, where he finished early due to failing to progress out of his round-robin group, Djokovic visited his childhood tennis coachJelena Genčić at her Belgrade home, bringing the Wimbledon trophy along.[452] The meeting, reportedly their first in more than four years, was recorded by two television crews – a Serbian one shooting forAleksandar Gajšek's showAgape onStudio B television[453][454] and an American one fromCBS television network filming material for Djokovic's upcoming piece on60 Minutes. The next day, 29 November 2011, on invitation from film producerAvi Lerner, Djokovic was part of the high-budget Hollywood movie productionThe Expendables 2 in a cameo playing himself[455] that was shot in a warehouse in the Bulgarian capital ofSofia.[456] However, his bit part was later cut out of the final version of the movie.[457]
In April 2021, a team ofBalkan biospeleologists named a recently discoveredfreshwater snail species,Travunijana djokovici, after Djokovic.[460]
In 2022, a book titledFacing Novak Djokovic, a compilation of interviews with ATP players who described in detail what it was like to compete against Djokovic, was published.[461]
In 2022, Nikola Vesović, a research associate at theUniversity of Belgrade, announced that a new species of beetle in the genusDuvalius recently discovered near the town ofLjubovija, Serbia, had been namedDuvalius djokovici after Djokovic.[462]
Since 2010, he has been connected with the nutritionist Igor Četojević, who additionally focuses onChinese medicine and performsacupuncture.[367] He allegedly discovered that Djokovic suffers fromgluten intolerance, usingapplied kinesiology, and that he should not eatgluten, removing it from his diet.[371] He eventually settled on avegan diet, while later sometimes eatingfish.[466] He also claims this vegan, plant-based diet cured his persistent allergies and mild asthma.[467] The gluten-free diet has been credited for improving his endurance on the court and playing a role in his subsequent success.[468][469]
Following his elbow surgery in 2018, he stated that he "cried for three days" after it, feeling guilty, because he was "not a fan of surgeries or medications" and wanted "to be as natural as possible". He further stated his belief that human "bodies are self-healing mechanisms".[470][471]
In his 2013 autobiography,Serve to Win, he wrote of a "researcher" who directed "anger, fear, hostility" at a glass of water, which turned "slightly green" after a few days, while also directing "love, joy" at another glass of water, which remained "bright and crystal clear" in the same period.[371][472] In 2020, Djokovic spoke of his belief that "some people" used "prayer" and "gratitude" to "turn the most toxic food, or maybe most polluted water into the most healing water." He also stated that "scientists [have] proven" that "molecules in the water react to our emotions" and speech.[473][474] Such claims are scientifically dubious,[475][476] and generally regarded as superstitious beliefs.[477]
During the ATP Tour'sshutdown due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, in a Facebook live stream with other Serbian athletes hosted in April 2020, Djokovic indicated heopposes vaccination and would not be forced to take a COVID vaccine just to be able to return to the Тour.[471][478] He later clarified his remarks by stating that he is not against all kinds of vaccines, but that he is against forced vaccination.[479] He added that he was extremely careful about what he puts into his body.[479]
Djokovic's views came under increased scrutiny in late 2021, in the run-up to the2022 Australian Open, after comments made byAustralian government officials indicated that tennis players would need to be vaccinated to enter the tournament.[480] Prior to the tournament, Djokovic had refused to state publicly whether he was vaccinated or not, but had made comments stating his concern over the possibility of a hotel quarantine in Australia.[481] However, while being interviewed by theAustralian Border Force in January 2022, Djokovic confirmed to the officer interviewing him that he was unvaccinated.[482][483]
"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else."
—Djokovic, on why he is willing to forgo playing major tournaments.
Several commentators feel that Djokovic's stance against the COVID-19 vaccine could damage his placement among the all-time great tennis players, as he would not be able to participate in the major tournaments where vaccination is required for entry[484] while others have applauded his view of having a choice.[485][486][487] He was unable to play the2022 Australian Open, where he was the defending champion and the favorite to win.[488][489] Shortly thereafter, he lost the No. 1 ranking he had held for a record 373 weeks. Due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens, Djokovic was unable to enter the United States to play the2022 US Open, another major tournament he was the favorite to win.[490]
In an interview with theBBC on 15 February 2022, a few weeks after the tournament, Djokovic stated he does not associate with the wideranti-vax movement. However, he believes in personal freedom of choice and supports an individual's right to choose whether or not they receive a vaccine. He reaffirmed sticking to his principles and refusal to receive a vaccine, saying that he would be willing to forgo entry into tournaments, that are held in countries mandating the vaccine, even if it cost him his career records and placement among the all-time great players.[491]
Djokovic has been reported tomeditate for up to an hour a day at the BuddhistBuddhapadipa Temple inWimbledon, as he appreciates the natural setting and serenity, and is close to monks in the complex.[495] He has spoken of the positive power of meditation.[496][497][498] He is a frequent visitor to theBosnian town ofVisoko andits park that is host to several meditation platforms.[499]
Support of sport and sportspeople
Djokovic is a fan of Serbian football clubRed Star,[500] Italian clubMilan,[501] and Portuguese clubBenfica,[502] as well as Serbian basketball clubRed Star.[503][504] He has also shown public support forCroatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and when faced with criticism from some within his native country of Serbia, Djokovic replied that "sports have their 'universal language,' they erase boundaries between people, [and] overcome differences in religion, race and nationality."[505][506][507] Djokovic has expressed admiration for Croatian football playerLuka Modrić, who plays forReal Madrid.[508][509][510] He is a friend of former Serbian tennis playerAna Ivanovic, whom he has known since the two were children growing up in Serbia.[511]
Djokovic is a member of the "Champions for Peace" club, a group of elite athletes committed to serving peace in the world through sport. It was created by Peace and Sport, a Monaco-based international organization.[512]
Political statements
Following his victory in the first round of the2023 French Open, Djokovic wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence" on the lens of a camera, in response to the recentclashes in Kosovo. The statement was criticized as inappropriate by France's then-minister of sportsAmélie Oudéa-Castéra, with theKosovo Olympic Committee asking theIOC to open disciplinary proceedings against the athlete.[513] Djokovic later said he was against any kind of conflict but defended his statement by opining: "Especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entirety of Serbia. Kosovo is our cradle, our stronghold, the centre of the most important things for our country. There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera."[514]
During the2024–2025 Serbian anti-corruption protests, Đoković openly supported protesting students and their demands on several occasions.[515][516] Because of this, he immediately received a backlash from the ruling politicians in Serbia.[517] Former ministerZorana Mihajlović said that "Djokovic sided with those who commit violence in the country and who want an independent Kosovo",[517] while government-affiliatedInformer called him a "failed tennis player",[518] and "a disgrace" who "supports violence".[519] In April 2025, while publicly reading a letter he received from one child mentioning how the child loves watching Đoković, Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vučić declined to read Đoković's name, instead pronouncing "Nikola Jokić".[520]
Legacy
"I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics and, in that sense, I think he [Djokovic] has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. It is not beneath me, nor do I have an ego big enough to try and disguise a reality that is not. This is the truth. The rest are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one player or the other may transmit to you, so that you may like one or the other more. I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history, and there is nothing to discuss in that."
Djokovic has won a record 72Big Titles, including an all-time record of 24Grand Slam titles, and holds the mostweeks at No. 1, the most wins over top 5 and top 10-ranked players, has won all major andMasters events and theyear-end championships at least twice (which has not been done by another player once) and has a winning head-to-head record over his greatest rivals in one of the strongest eras of tennis.[531][532][533][534][535][536][537] Former world No. 1Daniil Medvedev labelled Djokovic the "greatest tennis player in history" after winning his first major title at the2021 US Open over Djokovic.[538]Pat Cash emphasized that Djokovic is one of two players who beat Rafael Nadal at theFrench Open, which he considers to be "the biggest challenge in tennis".[539]Richard Krajicek andThe Roar, sports opinion website, said that Djokovic should be considered for the greatest player of all time because he is the only one among his rivals who has won all four majors consecutively.[540][541][542]Patrick Mouratoglou stated, "Novak is the most complete player of all times. That enables him to find the solution to most of the problems on court and this, on every surface. It explains why he is now in the best position to become the GOAT".[543][544]Rafael Nadal has praised Djokovic's peak level of performance, stating in 2011 (when he went 0–6 against Djokovic for the season) that "[Djokovic's level is] probably the highest level of tennis that I ever saw."[545] Nadal reiterated this after a one-sided loss in the2016 Qatar Open final, stating that "I played against a player who did everything perfectly. I don't know anybody who's ever played tennis like this. Since I know this sport I've never seen somebody playing at this level."[546] In 2017, Nadal stated that "at a technical level, when Djokovic has been at the top of his game, I have to say that I've been up against an invincible player."[547][548] In 2023, former world No. 7Mardy Fish also declared that Djokovic in 2011 was the "best player of all time".[549] In 2023,Boris Becker compared Djokovic toLionel Messi,Tom Brady andLeBron James in their respective sports, saying that "For me, he is the lion king".[550]
Tennis coachNick Bollettieri praised Djokovic as "the most complete player ever" in 2011,[551] and "the most perfect player of all time" in 2015:[552]
When you look at match players in the history of tennis, I don't believe that anybody can equal everything on the court that Djokovic does. I don't think you can find a weakness in his game. His movement, personality, his return of serve, his serve, excellent touch, not hesitant in coming to the net, great serve. Overall, almost every player has a downfall; to me, he doesn't have one. He's perhaps the best put-together player that I've seen over 60 years.[553]
Andre Agassi, stated in an interview in 2019 with the Times of India that:
The highest standard of tennis that I've ever seen is when Novak is playing his best tennis. The single level, for whatever my tennis IQ is worth, is an unmistakable standard to which everybody will strive to be.[554]
Pete Sampras, who at the time of his retirement in 2003 was considered by some to be the greatest male tennis player of all time, stated after Djokovic earned a record-breaking seventh year-end No. 1 finish in 2021:
Seven years for him, I'm sure he sees it as a bonus to all the majors that he's won, but I think he'll appreciate it more as he gets older. He did it at a time where [sic] he dominated two of the greats, in Roger and Rafa, and he handled the next generation of players very well – all at the same time. I do think what Novak's done over the past 10 years, winning the majors, being consistent, finishing number one for seven years, to me it's a clear sign that he is the greatest of all time.[534][555]
Some press reports have also called Djokovic one of the greatest athletes of all time.[556][557]
Nadal has also called Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time in 2024.[566] Some analysts claim that theDjokovic–Nadal rivalry ranks as the best rivalry in tennis history because of the quality of matches they produce.[567][568]
Career Golden Slam: In 2024, by winning the singles gold medal at the2024 Summer Olympics, Djokovic achieved theCareer Golden Slam, which consists of a tennis player getting the achievement of winning all four majors and the Olympic gold medal during his career.
Career Super Slam: This refers to the achievement of a tennis player winning all four majors, the Olympic gold medal, and the year-end championship throughout a career. Djokovic also secured theCareer Super Slam by winning the singles gold medal at the2024 Summer Olympics.
Channel Slam: An achievement that refers to the feat of a tennis player winning both the French Open and Wimbledon in a calendar year. Djokovic secured theChannel Slam by winning the aforementioned titles in the 2021 season.
Career Grand Slam: The feat achieved by a tennis player when winning the four majors in either singles, doubles or mixed doubles, throughout his career at least one time each. Djokovic secured theCareer Grand Slam when winning theFrench Open singles title in the 2016 season.
^"Kosovo Olympic Committee seeks IOC disciplinary action against Djokovic".Reuters. 31 May 2023. Archived fromthe original on 11 August 2024.Djokovic later said he was against any kind of conflict but defended his statement...The IOC, which bans any political statements on the field of play and at medal ceremonies at the Olympics, said it had no say on the matter as the Grand Slams had their own rules.
^Bruno, Santos (10 November 2021). "Comparing dominance of tennis' big three via multiple-output Bayesian quantile regression models".arXiv:2111.05631 [stat.AP].
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World No. 1 July 4, 2011 – July 8, 2012 November 5, 2012 – October 6, 2013 July 7, 2014 – November 6, 2016 November 5, 2018 – November 5, 2019 February 3, 2020 – Feb 28, 2022 Mar 21, 2022 – Jun 12, 2022 Jan 30, 2023 – Mar 19, 2023 Apr 3, 2023 – May 21, 2023 Jun 12, 2023 – Jun 25, 2023 Sep 11, 2023 – Jun 10, 2024
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