Untold Facts About Novak Djokovic’s Two Young Children – Who Are Following In The Tennis Star’s Footsteps

Behind the legendary career of Novak Djokovic, the man often referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) of tennis, lies a deeply grounded family life. While the world watches his record-breaking Grand Slam victories, a new generation is growing up in the player’s box. Stefan Djokovic and Tara Djokovic, the two children of Novak and Jelena Djokovic, are becoming stars in their own right. Fans are increasingly curious: are they the next tennis prodigies? Here is a deep dive into the untold facts about the Djokovic children and how they are navigating life in the shadow of a sporting giant.

The Arrival of the Next Generation: Stefan and Tara Djokovic

The journey of the Djokovic family began shortly after Novak and Jelena tied the knot in 2014. Their first child, Stefan Djokovic, was born in October 2014, bringing a new sense of purpose to Novak’s life on and off the court. Three years later, in September 2017, the family was completed with the birth of their daughter, Tara Djokovic.

From a young age, both children have been fixtures at major tournaments. Whether it is the lush grass of Wimbledon or the hard courts of the US Open, Stefan and Tara are often seen cheering passionately. However, their personalities and interests are surprisingly distinct, proving that even with the same world-class genes, every child carves their own path.

Stefan Djokovic: The Budding Tennis Enthusiast

If there is anyone who seems poised to carry the Djokovic tennis legacy, it is Stefan. Now entering his pre-teen years, Stefan has shown a remarkable passion for the sport that made his father a household name. Unlike many “tennis parents” who push their children into the sport, Novak has been vocal about letting Stefan find his own way.

Despite this “hands-off” approach, Stefan Djokovic is frequently seen with a racquet in hand. He has been filmed practicing his swing on the practice courts of various Grand Slams, often mimicking the intense footwork and focus of his father. Interestingly, Novak has joked in interviews that Stefan’s favorite player might not even be him—Stefan is a huge fan of Rafael Nadal, even imitating the Spaniard’s iconic “lasso” forehand during their backyard sessions.

Is Stefan Djokovic Following in His Father’s Footsteps?

The question on every fan’s mind is whether we will see another Djokovic on the ATP Tour. While Stefan has already won some small local junior tournaments in Serbia, Novak remains cautious. He emphasizes that the most important thing is that Stefan enjoys the game.

Novak has mentioned that Stefan is “fully immersed” in the tennis world, often watching matches and analyzing players’ techniques. This analytical mind is a hallmark of the Djokovic DNA. At Wimbledon 2025, Stefan was seen collecting autographs from his father’s rivals, showing a deep respect and love for the tennis community as a whole rather than just focusing on his father’s fame.

Tara Djokovic: The Creative Soul and Ballet Star

While Stefan is busy chasing tennis balls, Tara Djokovic has a very different set of interests. At several high-stakes matches, cameras have caught Tara not watching the scoreboard, but instead focused on her own world—sometimes even reading a book during the middle of a Grand Slam final.

Novak has shared that Tara is not particularly “into” tennis. Instead, she has shown a great love for ballet and gymnastics. This artistic side brings a beautiful balance to the family. While Stefan embodies the competitive grit of the sport, Tara represents the grace and creativity that the Djokovic family values.

In a hilarious reveal, Novak once shared that Tara’s favorite player is actually Andrey Rublev, largely because she likes his headband and his “energy.” It is clear that for Tara, the world of professional sports is just a backdrop for her own creative development.

The Parenting Philosophy of Novak and Jelena Djokovic

Raising children under the spotlight of global fame is no easy task. Jelena Djokovic, who serves as the CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the children stay humble. The couple focuses heavily on early childhood education and development, a cause they champion through their foundation.

One of the most “untold” facts about their parenting is their strict stance on technology. Novak has revealed that his children do not have smartphones, despite their peers having them. He wants them to stay connected to nature, books, and physical activity. This “anti-conformist” approach to parenting reflects Novak’s own disciplined lifestyle and his desire for his children to develop a strong sense of self-worth independent of social media.

Balancing Fame with a Normal Childhood

Despite being the children of a global icon, Stefan and Tara lead relatively private lives. They are enrolled in school like any other children and are taught the value of hard work. Novak often speaks about how he wants to be a father first and a coach second—if at all.

He famously stated that he would not coach Stefan professionally, believing that the father-son bond is too precious to be strained by the high-pressure environment of professional coaching. Instead, he focuses on being a “safe haven” for his children, providing emotional support regardless of whether they win a trophy or finish a ballet recital.

The Support System: How the Family Fuels Novak’s Success

It is no secret that Novak’s longevity in tennis is partly due to the stability provided by his wife and children. He often credits the “childish energy” of Stefan and Tara for keeping him young at heart. Seeing them in the stands gives him a perspective that transcends wins and losses.

During his Olympic Gold Medal win in Paris 2024, the image of Novak hugging his children was one of the most emotional moments of his career. For him, the gold medal wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a lesson in perseverance he wanted to show his kids.

Healthy Living and Nutrition in the Djokovic Household

The Djokovic diet is famous for being plant-based and gluten-free, and this lifestyle extends to the children as well. While they aren’t forced into the same strict regimen as a professional athlete, the family emphasizes whole foods and physical health.

Jelena Djokovic often shares glimpses of their healthy meals, emphasizing that good nutrition is the foundation for Stefan’s athletic pursuits and Tara’s growth. This holistic approach to health ensures that the children have the energy to pursue their various hobbies, whether it’s a five-set practice match or a long day at school.

Stefan’s Technical Progress: Learning from the Best

While Novak avoids being a formal coach, he can’t help but give some “technical tips” to Stefan. At Wimbledon 2022, the two were seen practicing together, with Novak guiding Stefan on his court positioning.

Observers have noted that Stefan possesses a very clean hitting style. His backhand—much like his father’s—is becoming a reliable weapon. However, it is his enthusiasm that stands out. Stefan doesn’t just play; he breathes the sport. If he decides to pursue a professional career, he will have access to the best training facilities and minds in the world, including his father’s vast network.

Tara’s Influence on Novak’s On-Court Persona

Tara might not play the game, but she has a massive influence on her father’s celebrations. The “violin” celebration Novak debuted in 2024 was actually a tribute to Tara, who was learning to play the instrument at the time.

Moments like these show that even though the world sees a “gladiator” on the court, Novak is constantly thinking of ways to connect with his daughter. Tara’s presence reminds him that there is a world beyond the baseline, helping him manage the immense stress of being the world number one.

The Legacy of the Novak Djokovic Foundation

The children are also learning the value of giving back. Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, they see their parents working to improve the lives of children in Serbia. This exposure to philanthropy is a core part of their upbringing.

The foundation focuses on preschool education, ensuring that every child has a “winning start” in life. By involving Stefan and Tara in these values, Novak and Jelena are ensuring that their children’s legacy will be defined by more than just tennis trophies; it will be defined by their contribution to society.

Challenges of the “Djokovic” Name

Being a “Djokovic” comes with immense pressure, especially for Stefan. Every move he makes on a tennis court is analyzed by fans and media. Novak is acutely aware of this and has often spoken about the “unreal” mountain his son would have to climb to establish his own identity in the sport.

This is why the family emphasizes resilience and mental health. They want Stefan and Tara to understand that their value isn’t tied to their achievements. Whether they become world-class athletes or pursue careers in the arts, their parents’ support remains unconditional.

The Future: Will We See a “Djokovic Jr.” on Center Court?

As of 2026, Stefan is still in the early stages of his development. While his talent is undeniable, the road to the ATP Tour is long and grueling. The next few years will be crucial as he transitions into more competitive junior circuits.