Jelena Reveals ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ Tara Never Lets Novak Djokovic Isolate Himself After Defeats: “She Brings Him Back to Us”

Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic are parents to son Stefan and daughter Tara.

Jelena Reveals ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ Tara Never Lets Novak Djokovic Isolate Himself After Defeats: “She Brings Him Back to Us”

L-R: Novak Djokovic, Tara; Jelena Djokovic (Image via People.com, Town & Country Magazine)

The defeats overwhelm Novak Djokovic so much that he closes the door on everybody and goes into isolation mode. No one, except one person, has access to him during this time. And that person is none other than his nine-year-old daughter, Tara.

His Prime Video documentary, Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, was released on Thursday (August 20). The documentary offers a glimpse into his private life, including his relationship with his family.

The 39-year-old grew up in a war-torn Serbia and dealt with extreme financial hardships. He clearly did not have a normal childhood. But now, he is living that childhood through his kids, Stefan and Tara. In the documentary, his wife Jelena Djokovic said her daughter has the power to bring her dad back when he’s dealing with upsets alone.

When he loses, he questions his entire identity. He goes into a ‘leave me alone’ avoidance mode, he just closes the door. And Tara…when he wants to isolate himself, she doesn’t let him. He’s so in love with her that she has access no one else has, and that’s how she brings him back to us. She’s daddy’s little girl. He’s living the childhood he never had through our children.

Jelena Djokovic said

Djokovic last competed in the opening round of the ongoing Cincinnati Masters. Playing in hot, humid conditions, Djokovic struggled physically in the first set against Thiago Agustin Tirante and eventually lost in three sets.

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Novak Djokovic revisits his vaccination saga

Novak Djokovic‘s career, apart from his achievements, has also been defined by various controversies, which include the vaccination saga back in 2022. After arriving in Melbourne, he was detained at the airport; his visa was canceled, and eventually the Aussie government deported him. He was unvaccinated, but as he had COVID twice, he was granted a medical exemption to play in the Melbourne Slam.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via ABS-CBN)

Djokovic once again made his stance on vaccination clear. In his documentary, Djokovic said:

I never said I’m against vaccine or pro-vaccine. The anti-vax movement claimed that I’m their hero. I’ve never associated myself with any anti-vax, pro-vax, or anything. I’m pro freedom to choose what you are going to do with the integrity of your body. I missed slams and tournaments.

Djokovic returned to the Australian Open in 2023 and clinched his record 10th title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. The last time he played a Grand Slam final was in this year’s Melbourne Slam after stunning two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner. In the final, Nole lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

I didn’t play in America for a couple of years because I was not vaccinated. That’s fine. But in Australia, I was allowed. I’m not the scientist, I’m not the one who is setting the rules. I’m not the one that should debate that. I stood up for what I believe in. I stand for protection of my integrity and what I think is best for my body, and that’s it.

Novak Djokovic added

After losing the Australian Open final, Djokovic lost to Joao Fonseca in the French Open third round, while at Wimbledon, eventual champion Sinner downed him in the semifinals.

Djokovic last clinched a title at the 2025 Hellenic Championship. This year, apart from the three Majors, Djokovic has only competed at the Indian Wells Masters, Italian Open, and the Cincinnati Masters.

He will next be playing at the US Open, where he last lifted the title in 2023. Since then, Djokovic has lost three Grand Slam finals. Alcaraz is the reigning champion in the Melbourne Major. He beat Djokovic in the semifinal before beating Sinner in the final.

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