5 Shocking Facts About Jelena Djokovic That Debunk The 'Is Novak Djokovic's Wife Deaf?' Rumor

Is Jelena Djokovic deaf? This is one of the most persistent, bizarre, and completely unfounded rumors that continues to surface across the internet and among tennis fans, even in late 2025. The short, definitive answer is no—Novak Djokovic's wife and the Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation is not hearing impaired, and there is absolutely no evidence to support this claim. The rumor appears to be a classic case of online misinformation, likely stemming from a viral video clip or a misinterpretation of a moment in the crowd. [cite: 6 (from step 1)]

The truth is that Jelena Djokovic (née Ristic) is a highly educated, multilingual, and extremely active philanthropist who plays a crucial role in her husband’s career and their family’s charitable efforts. Her public life and extensive work in early childhood education clearly demonstrate a person fully engaged with the world. This article dives into the facts of her life, career, and family to fully dismantle the baseless "deaf" speculation.

Jelena Djokovic: Complete Biography and Profile

Before her prominent role in the world of philanthropy and as the wife of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Jelena Ristic built an impressive foundation of her own. Her life story is one of dedication, academic excellence, and a shared vision with her husband.

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• Full Name: Jelena Djokovic (née Ristic)
• Date of Birth: June 17, 1986 [cite: 2 (from step 1), 5 (from step 1)]
• Place of Birth: Belgrade, Serbia [cite: 2 (from step 1), 5 (from step 1)]
• Relationship Status: Married to Novak Djokovic (since July 2014) [cite: 8 (from step 2)]
• Children: Son, Stefan Djokovic (b. October 2014); Daughter, Tara Djokovic (b. September 2017)
• Education: Graduated from the same high school as Novak in Serbia. She later earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. [cite: 1 (from step 2), 9 (from step 2)]
• Career: Worked in luxury brand management and briefly at an oil company before dedicating her life to the Novak Djokovic Foundation. [cite: 9 (from step 2), 6 (from step 2)]
• Current Role: Co-founder and Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. [cite: 2 (from step 2), 3 (from step 2)]

The couple’s relationship began as high school sweethearts in Serbia, a romantic backstory that has captivated fans worldwide. [cite: 7 (from step 2), 8 (from step 2)] They were together for eight years before Novak proposed in 2013, and they were married in a lavish ceremony in Montenegro in 2014. [cite: 7 (from step 2), 8 (from step 2)]

The True Origin of the 'Deaf' Rumor and Why It's False

The rumor that Jelena Djokovic has a hearing impairment is most likely a classic example of misinterpretation and the rapid spread of misinformation on social media. The claim has no basis in fact, but its persistence can be traced back to a few key moments and online speculation.

Misinterpretation of Media Captions and Screens

One primary theory suggests the confusion arose during a televised tennis match or interview where a caption for the hearing impaired (often referred to as a "hearing-impaired screen" or closed captions) was visible on a screen near Jelena. [cite: 3 (from step 1), 10 (from step 1)] Viewers online may have mistakenly conflated the presence of accessibility features with a personal health condition, leading to the false conclusion that the feature was for her benefit. This single, unverified moment was enough to fuel years of speculation. [cite: 10 (from step 1)]

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Active Public Life and Multilingual Abilities

Jelena’s high-profile and active life directly contradicts the rumor. She is known to be fluent in several languages, including Serbian, English, and Italian, a feat that would be significantly more challenging for someone with a profound hearing loss. [cite: 9 (from step 2)]

Furthermore, her role as the Global CEO of a major international charity requires constant, high-level communication, public speaking, and engagement with partners like the World Bank and various educational bodies. [cite: 10 (from step 3)] Her ability to manage complex operations and communicate effectively in the public eye is undeniable proof that the "deaf" rumor is completely baseless.

Jelena Djokovic's Crucial Role in Philanthropy and Education

Jelena’s true focus is not on tennis court drama, but on transforming lives through the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF). As co-founder and Global CEO, she has steered the foundation to become a major force in Serbian philanthropy. [cite: 2 (from step 2), 3 (from step 2)]

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The foundation's mission centers almost entirely on Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Serbia. [cite: 6 (from step 3), 8 (from step 3)] Jelena's passion for this cause is a driving force, ensuring that children from underprivileged backgrounds have access to quality education from a young age. [cite: 9 (from step 3)]

Under her leadership, the NDF has achieved significant milestones, including: [cite: 6 (from step 3), 9 (from step 3)]

• Building and Renovating Schools: Creating safe and stimulating environments for learning in underserved communities.
• Teacher Training: Investing in educators to improve the quality of early-years teaching.
• Parental Support Programs: Empowering families to become active participants in their children's development.
• Sustainable Projects: Focusing on long-term investments that work side-by-side with local communities. [cite: 7 (from step 3)]

Her work is a testament to her intelligence, dedication, and communication skills, making the persistent rumors about her health all the more absurd. She is a powerful figure in her own right, using her platform to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society—a far cry from the sensationalized rumors that often follow her husband's fame.

The Power Couple: Supporting Novak Djokovic's Legacy

Jelena is more than just a CEO; she is Novak’s rock and one of his most vocal supporters, often seen in the player's box during his record-breaking Grand Slam campaigns. [cite: 7 (from step 2)] Their high school romance evolved into a partnership that balances the intense demands of professional sports with a shared commitment to social change.

She often travels with their two children, Stefan and Tara, who are frequently mentioned by Novak in his post-match interviews as his greatest inspiration. The family unit provides a crucial sense of normalcy and stability for the world's most successful male tennis player. Jelena’s ability to manage the global charity, raise two young children, and maintain a high-profile presence on the international tennis circuit is a clear indicator of her exceptional capabilities and health.

In conclusion, the 'Is Djokovic's wife deaf?' rumor is completely false. Jelena Djokovic is a brilliant, active, and influential woman who is dedicated to philanthropy and raising her family. The next time this bizarre claim surfaces, remember her work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, her Bocconi education, and her role as a mother to Stefan and Tara—facts that speak far louder than any baseless internet speculation.