In a poignant and candid interview back in 2020, Jelena Djokovic, the wife of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, unveiled the seldom-discussed challenges of being married to an iconic athlete. Her revelations shed light on the unseen battles and societal pressures faced by spouses who stand beside celebrated sports figures.
“I think this is gonna be brave to say to millions of people watching, but I was trying to compete with him because I felt like, ‘I’m also deserving and I’m not getting enough credit for what I’m doing because I’m doing it more in the backstage,'” Jelena expressed, unraveling the internal struggle she grappled with while trying to find her identity alongside her husband’s illustrious career.
Her words encapsulated the silent turmoil experienced by spouses who often operate in the shadow of their partner’s limelight. “My ego was there battling also, an internal battle because I always felt like I can express so much more but I have to do it quietly,” she continued, touching on the societal constraints that limit a woman’s voice and presence in the public eye.
Jelena bravely confronted the stereotype imposed on the wives of athletes, reflecting, “There is this stereotype about who is the wife of an athlete, how she should look like, how she should behave, and I don’t fit very well into that stereotype.” Her struggle to find her place amidst societal expectations and her own aspirations encapsulates the often-unspoken challenges faced by partners of high-profile athletes.
“I was trying to conform at first because I was meant to be interested in fashion, I was meant to be interested in looks, you know, different kinds of things, and that’s all fun, but it just doesn’t inspire me,” she confessed, highlighting the pressure to conform to prescribed roles.
Her journey toward self-discovery and acceptance led her to proudly embrace her role as a supportive spouse. “Always I am the wife, but now I’m proudly wearing that title rather than feeling, ‘Well, here we go. Wife! Okay, let me sit and smile.’ So, it’s a great transformation for me,” she articulated, signifying her empowered stance in defining her identity beyond conventional norms.
Jelena Djokovic’s open dialogue on the challenges she faced as an athlete’s wife resonates with countless individuals who navigate similar pressures in the background of their partners’ fame and accomplishments. Her courage to voice the struggles that often go unnoticed behind the glamour of sports celebrates the strength required to maintain individuality amidst the overwhelming presence of an iconic figure.
Jelena Djokovic spoke very openly & beautifully about the struggles of being the wife of an athlete back in 2020:
“I think this is gonna be brave to say to millions of people watching but I was trying to compete with him because I felt like, ‘I’m also deserving and I’m not… pic.twitter.com/0IZL02C6tT
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 19, 2023
Her story serves as a reminder that behind every celebrated athlete stands a strong and resilient partner, silently supporting, overcoming stereotypes, and carving out their own path, enriching the narrative of sportsmanship with their unwavering strength and determination. As Jelena Djokovic continues to stand by her husband’s side, her journey stands as an inspiration for many navigating similar paths.
In her own words, Jelena Djokovic encapsulates the essence of her transformative journey, “It’s a great transformation for me.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWWWWLWW Currently the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 25th of November when he capitulated to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the Serbian has a 56-7 win-loss record. Djokovic has won 7 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. The Serbian was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
