MONTE CARLO — The world of professional tennis is filled with intense rivalries on the court, but the personal histories of its stars can sometimes be just as compelling. In a surprising revelation, Novak Djokovic once shared that his wife, Jelena Djokovic, previously dated one of his old tennis rivals, a fact that came to light through a very public and romantic gesture.
The Foundation of a Lifelong Partnership
Before she became Jelena Djokovic, the pillar of support behind the most successful male tennis player in history, Jelena Ristić was a bright student with her own life and past. Novak and Jelena's story began not with a whirlwind romance, but with a long-standing friendship that blossomed over years. They first met in high school in Belgrade, and for a considerable time, were just close friends. Novak has often spoken about how their relationship was built on a deep, unshakeable foundation of mutual understanding and support, which eventually turned into love.
In various interviews, Novak has emphasized the importance of Jelena in his life, both on and off the court. He has credited her with bringing balance and perspective, helping him navigate the immense pressures of the tour. This context makes the revelation of her previous relationship with a fellow tennis professional all the more intriguing, highlighting a chapter of their lives before their destinies were fully intertwined.
The Rival and the Revelation
The identity of the rival was none other than Romanian tennis star Victor Hănescu. Hănescu, a formidable player who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 26 and was known for his powerful serve and clay-court prowess, was indeed a contemporary and occasional opponent of the young Djokovic on the ATP Tour.
The story came to the forefront in a rather dramatic fashion. According to Novak's recounting in interviews, the pivotal moment occurred at the 2006 Davis Cup tie between Serbia and Romania in Bucharest. It was there, in front of the Serbian team and a young Novak Djokovic, that Hănescu made a grand, public romantic gesture towards Jelena. Djokovic recalled the incident, stating, "He came with 100 roses for her in front of my entire team. I will never forget that."
This bold move, while undoubtedly romantic, also had an element of gamesmanship, occurring in the high-stakes environment of a Davis Cup match. For Djokovic, who was still a rising star at the time, the incident was a memorable, if not slightly awkward, moment that added a unique personal layer to their professional rivalry. It underscored the small, interconnected world of elite tennis where personal and professional lives often collide.
Navigating the Past and Building a Future
Despite this unusual start to their awareness of each other's histories, Novak and Jelena's relationship only grew stronger. They began dating seriously in 2005, and by the time of the 2006 Davis Cup incident, they were already a couple. The fact that Jelena's past relationship was with a direct competitor could have been a source of tension, but both Novak and Jelena have always handled it with maturity and grace.
Jelena has been a constant, stabilizing presence in Novak's life. A successful businesswoman and philanthropist in her own right, she co-founded the Novak Djokovic Foundation in 2007. The foundation is dedicated to improving early childhood education and development in Serbia, demonstrating her and Novak's shared commitment to giving back. Her strength and independence have often been cited by Novak as key factors in his ability to maintain his focus and longevity in the sport.
The Djokovics have built a beautiful family together, with two children, son Stefan and daughter Tara. Their relationship is often portrayed as a true partnership, one that has weathered the storms of fame, intense public scrutiny, and the relentless travel of the tennis circuit. Key aspects of their strong bond include:
- Shared History: Knowing each other from their formative years, long before global fame.
- Mutual Respect: Both have thriving individual careers and support each other's ambitions.
- Common Values: A deep-seated belief in family and philanthropy, channeling their success into meaningful causes.
This solid foundation has allowed them to look back on moments like the one with Hănescu with a sense of perspective and even humor.
The Rivalry on the Court
While the personal connection adds a fascinating footnote, the professional rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Victor Hănescu was a real part of the ATP Tour in the late 2000s. Djokovic and Hănescu faced each other three times on the professional tour, with Djokovic winning all three encounters. Their matches were contested between 2008 and 2012, a period when Djokovic was solidifying his place at the very top of the game.
Their most notable match was arguably their first meeting in the second round of the 2008 French Open, which Djokovic won in straight sets. While Hănescu was a talented player who challenged many top competitors, he, like so many others of his generation, found himself facing a player who would go on to redefine the limits of the sport. The personal history, while known to them, never visibly spilled over into their on-court professionalism.
A Story of Maturity and Moving Forward
The tale of Jelena's past relationship with Victor Hănescu is more than just a piece of tennis trivia; it is a testament to the character of both Novak and Jelena Djokovic. In the hyper-competitive world of sports, where egos often clash, they managed a potentially awkward situation with remarkable composure. It never became a public feud or a source of scandal. Instead, it remains a curious anecdote from their past.
Novak's ability to compartmentalize his personal life from his professional one is legendary, and this episode is a prime example. The young man who witnessed his future wife's ex-boyfriend present her with 100 roses in front of his team went on to marry that woman and build one of the most successful and stable families in all of sports. Reflecting on their journey, Djokovic has said, "We grew together and our love strengthened over time."
Today, the Djokovics stand as a power couple, not just in tennis, but in the global landscape of philanthropy and business. The story of the 100 roses is a reminder that even the greatest champions have human experiences filled with relatable complexities. It underscores that the foundation of their success is not just talent and hard work, but also the resilience, understanding, and unwavering support they find in each other, a bond that proved strong enough to transform a moment of potential rivalry into a footnote in their legendary love story.