Jelena Djokovic, the wife of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, has opened up for the first time about the early challenges they faced in their relationship. In a candid interview, Jelena reflected on their humble beginnings and the obstacles they had to overcome to build the life they have today.

Jelena and Novak’s love story began during their high school years in Belgrade, Serbia. At the time, Novak was an ambitious young tennis player trying to make a name for himself on the global stage, while Jelena was focused on her studies. Despite their deep connection, the early years of their relationship were anything but easy.

Jelena revealed that Novak’s financial struggles posed significant challenges to their budding romance. “Us getting together was like science fiction,” Jelena said. “He didn’t have any money, and traveling to see each other was almost impossible.”

At the time, Novak was still climbing the ranks in professional tennis, and the cost of competing on the international circuit strained his limited resources. Meanwhile, Jelena was pursuing her academic and professional goals, which often kept them apart for long periods. Despite their love for one another, the lack of financial stability made it difficult to maintain their relationship.

Jelena and Novak’s relationship required immense creativity and sacrifice. Air travel was a luxury they could not afford, so they often had to rely on long-distance communication and meticulously planned meetings. “We contrived and devised these plans on how to meet, how to make our relationship work,” Jelena shared. Their resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to each other helped them navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship.

Novak’s relentless work ethic and determination to succeed as a tennis player mirrored the couple’s resilience in keeping their relationship alive. As Novak’s career began to take off, Jelena continued to stand by his side, supporting him through the highs and lows of his journey.

Their relationship grew stronger as they faced life’s challenges together. Jelena, who went on to build a successful career as a philanthropist and entrepreneur, has been a cornerstone of Novak’s personal and professional life. The couple married in 2014 and now have two children, Stefan and Tara. Jelena credits their shared values and strong communication for helping them maintain a deep and loving partnership.

Novak has often spoken about how Jelena has been his anchor through the years, saying, “She’s been an incredible support, a mother, a partner, a leader in our foundation. She inspires me to be a better person and a better man every day.”

Jelena’s story resonates with fans around the world, showing that even those who seem to have it all started from humble beginnings. Her openness about their early struggles reveals the depth of their partnership and the hard work that went into building their life together. The story of Novak and Jelena is not just one of love but also one of resilience, determination, and mutual support.

Their journey from struggling to afford plane tickets to traveling the world as one of tennis’s most iconic couples is a testament to the power of love and perseverance. Today, the Djokovics not only enjoy immense success but also use their platform to give back through their foundation, focusing on early childhood education and development.

Jelena’s heartfelt revelations offer a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and triumphs that have defined their journey. It’s a story that reminds us that even the greatest achievements often have humble beginnings and that true partnership can overcome any obstacle.