Jelena Ristic: Inside the Novak Djokovic FoundationBetter known as the girlfriend of world number one Novak Djokovic, Jelena Ristic recently spoke to Net Talk Tennis about her position as Director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. A role she takes very seriously.
Ristic completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Bocconi University in Milan back in 2008, before securing a Masters in what she described as a ‘gruelling, sleepless 11 months of her life’. Ristic’s passion for education, which her friends joke about, aided her when Novak and his parents Srdjan and Dijana set up the charity in 2007 which now focuses on early childhood education. Encouraging dreams A key feature of the charity is its encouragement for children to dream. Ristic recollects that both she and Novak came from an ‘impossible place’. “When we were growing up, many of us were not encouraged to dream as there was not that much our war torn, politically and economically disturbed country could offer”. The fact that the couple both succeeded through hard work sends a message of inspiration to each child they visit, “he is a role model to many young children who come from poverty. “It is possible to be successful and recognized worldwide if you work hard and believe”. |
Ristic and Djokovic with children at Kindergarten Pcelica
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Novak’s involvement
After a long week of donating gifts and public appearances, Ristic took a moment to reflect on her visits throughout the years and the impact Novak has when he takes time out to join the fun. “Every interaction we have with children is special and unique.
“Children are excited to meet Novak and play with him, and he really enjoys those school and kindergarten visits”.
A humorous character on the court, Novak carries his relaxed demeanour into his life off it. The six-time Grand Slam champion and eldest of three siblings becomes what Ristic describes as a ‘big brother’ with children eager to hug him and share the joy of their new toys. The life and struggles of the ATP World Tour soon put into perspective, “these kind of visits really fill you with energy, joy and give you strength to continue working.
ATP accolades
At the 02 Arena in November, Djokovic had the honour of receiving the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award from the ATP, recognition of his hard work and attitude towards improving the lives of the next generation in his beloved country Serbia. As Foundation Director, Ristic appreciates the accolade: “seeing that our work is recognized by other respected charities and foundations is a privilege and honour.
A further announcement from the ATP Aces for Charity scheme also brings great pride as the governing body donated a grant of $10,000 for his continued work in early childhood education in Serbia.
Future Plans
After a successful gala in New York City during last year’s US Open where Djokovic finished runner-up to Andy Murray, Ristic took to her Twitter to confirm rumours that they will be hosting another evening after The Championships at Wimbledon in early July. Just one of many future plans.
“We hope to open a lot of kindergartens for children so every child can have a safe place to grow up, play and learn.
“We hope to open more opportunities for people so they don't always lean to migrate to big cities and also support local non-governmental organisations in their work by funding their programs.”
Ristic is however aware that there is no simple solution or quick fix, the road ahead for her, Novak and their country is a difficult one but they happen to have a history of overcoming the odds. “We have this young energy and belief that we can do impossible things”.
Follow Jelena Ristic and the Novak Djokovic Foundation on Twitter.
After a long week of donating gifts and public appearances, Ristic took a moment to reflect on her visits throughout the years and the impact Novak has when he takes time out to join the fun. “Every interaction we have with children is special and unique.
“Children are excited to meet Novak and play with him, and he really enjoys those school and kindergarten visits”.
A humorous character on the court, Novak carries his relaxed demeanour into his life off it. The six-time Grand Slam champion and eldest of three siblings becomes what Ristic describes as a ‘big brother’ with children eager to hug him and share the joy of their new toys. The life and struggles of the ATP World Tour soon put into perspective, “these kind of visits really fill you with energy, joy and give you strength to continue working.
ATP accolades
At the 02 Arena in November, Djokovic had the honour of receiving the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award from the ATP, recognition of his hard work and attitude towards improving the lives of the next generation in his beloved country Serbia. As Foundation Director, Ristic appreciates the accolade: “seeing that our work is recognized by other respected charities and foundations is a privilege and honour.
A further announcement from the ATP Aces for Charity scheme also brings great pride as the governing body donated a grant of $10,000 for his continued work in early childhood education in Serbia.
Future Plans
After a successful gala in New York City during last year’s US Open where Djokovic finished runner-up to Andy Murray, Ristic took to her Twitter to confirm rumours that they will be hosting another evening after The Championships at Wimbledon in early July. Just one of many future plans.
“We hope to open a lot of kindergartens for children so every child can have a safe place to grow up, play and learn.
“We hope to open more opportunities for people so they don't always lean to migrate to big cities and also support local non-governmental organisations in their work by funding their programs.”
Ristic is however aware that there is no simple solution or quick fix, the road ahead for her, Novak and their country is a difficult one but they happen to have a history of overcoming the odds. “We have this young energy and belief that we can do impossible things”.
Follow Jelena Ristic and the Novak Djokovic Foundation on Twitter.
Serbian TV reports on the foundation's 'Schools for Life' project (English subtitles available).