Serbian · Belgrade · Born 22 May 198724-time Grand Slam champion and world No.1 for a record 428 weeks — the most statistically successful player in tennis history.
Novak Djokovic was born in Belgrade in 1987 during political instability in the former Yugoslavia, his childhood including training through NATO bombing raids. He turned professional in 2003 and became, statistically, the most successful men's tennis player in history — winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including record totals at the Australian Open (10), Wimbledon (7), US Open (3) and French Open (3). He held the world number one ranking for 428 weeks — surpassing Federer's record by almost 200 weeks — and won the year-end number one ranking a record 8 times. He won 99 ATP titles with a career record of 1,100+ wins and 226 losses. He served 12,405+ career aces. His serve, forehand and return of serve are all considered among the finest ever produced; his flexibility — he can perform splits in full stroke — and defensive retrieval are without parallel. His refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19 cost him the 2022 Australian Open and US Open. He won Olympic gold in Paris 2024 — completing the Career Golden Slam. He won the 2023 French Open at 36. His rivalry with Federer and Nadal — the Big Three holding 63 Slams between them — produced the most competitive era in tennis history. Djokovic remained a major force into 2026, surpassing Roger Federer's all-time record for Grand Slam singles appearances in 2025 and knocking out Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set semi-final at the 2026 Australian Open before losing the final to Carlos Alcaraz, his pursuit of a record 25th major title still alive at Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion.
Holding the record for most Grand Slam men's singles titles with 24 championships
He can do full splits during professional matches — the biomechanical foundation of his extraordinary defensive retrieval.
Did You Know?How They Played
Djokovic is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, flexibility, and ability to turn defense into attack from seemingly impossible positions. His return of serve is considered among the best in tennis history, and he possesses remarkable mental fortitude in pressure situations. He plays from the baseline with precise groundstrokes and has one of the most reliable backhands in the sport.
Lasting Impact
Djokovic holds the record for most weeks spent at world No. 1 and has redefined what's possible in terms of longevity at the highest level of tennis. His rivalries with Federer and Nadal elevated the sport to new heights and attracted global audiences.
Career Honours
- Australian Open record 10 titles (2008, 2011–13, 2015–16, 2019, 2021, 2023)
- Wimbledon 2011, 2014–15, 2018–19, 2021, 2022
- US Open 2015, 2018, 2021, 2023
- French Open 2016, 2021, 2023
- Olympic Gold 2024 (Paris)
- Davis Cup 2010, 2013 (Serbia)
- ATP Tour Finals 7x (record)
Serbian Athletes