NOVAK Djokovic has revealed his wife Jelena dated his tennis rival and friend before they got together – but said he and the player have never spoken about it since.
Djokovic38, and Jelena started dating when the Serbian star was just 18 years old. They are now married and have two children.
The couple married in 2014 before welcoming their son Stefan the same year. Daughter Tara arrived three years later, in 2017.
Jelena, who was a tennis player in her youth, is often seen cheering for Djokovic during his matches.
It saw him win a record 24 Grand Slam tournaments to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Djokovic has now shared a surprising story of how they first met after revealing she initially dated one of her tennis rivals when he was young.
The player – who was also a friend – left Djokovic perplexed when he shared a romantic message for Jelena on a t-shirt after winning a youth championship match.
“I believe in destiny, of course. She played tennis but we never met through tennis while she was playing it, but she dated a tennis player who has been a friend of mine since the beginning, he said while speaking on Piers Morgan uncensored.
“It was funny, because the first time I heard about her was when this friend, who was in the same tennis club as me, played a match in the regional tennis league and we won, an important match.
“He took out his jersey and under the jersey he had a white shirt written, ‘Jelena, I love you. This is for you.’ And we were like, ‘Oh my god, that’s so lame, why would you do that?’ And then: “Who is this Jelena?” And it was her.
He went on to say that the two met soon after and also hung out in similar friendship circles.
“Then she came after and so on, and then we know each other through obviously mutual friends for about four, five years,” Djokovic added.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn 2 – All the info
TIME for round two of this generation’s family feud!
Chris Eubank Jr. And Conor Benn go blow for blow again as the two rivals look to make their fathers proud.
The blockbuster rematch will take place at the 62,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15.
Eubank Jr narrowly edged out his bitter foe after 12 brutal rounds in April to secure bragging rights in what was certainly a fight of the year contender.
And both British superstars will dance again as Eubank Jr aims to make the double while Benn seeks revenge after suffering a first career defeat.
WATCH EUBANK JR VS BENN 2 ONLY ON DAZN
INFO
- How to watch Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 for £24.99
- Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 ticket information – prices, availability, how to buy
- Date, time and undercard for a massive fight
LATEST NEWS
- Eubank Jr announces he will become a father of twins
- Inside the incredible life of Eubank Jr
- Comparing the lifestyles of Eubank Jr and Benn
VIDEO
*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate income.
“And actually, one of my best friends was her friend and they went to school together. So we were kind of in the same company, and then we started dating when I went to live in Monte Carlo.
“She went to study in Italy and then we started dating, so she’s basically the only serious, long, serious relationship I’ve ever had. I’ve obviously had a few months-long relationships here and there. She’s definitely the love of my life.”
Djokovic said he and the player Jelena was in a relationship with were actually still friends – but insisted the topic was off-limits.
He added: “I actually spoke to him. I really did. He’s fine. He’s gone, he has his family.
“No, actually, we’ve never talked about it. We’re both very uncomfortable. We’re still friends, so that’s good.”
Djokovic and Jelena also created the Novak Djokovic Foundation together after founding the organization in 2007.
Jelena is the director of the charity whose aim is to help children in Serbia and provide them with opportunities.
