In a stunning and emotionally charged revelation, Jelena Djokovic, wife of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, broke down in tears during a recent interview, opening up about a deeply personal struggle that may explain the Serbian star’s unexpected slump in performance this season. Her emotional disclosure not only shed light on what’s been troubling one of the greatest players of all time but also included a rare and shocking statement regarding his potential retirement.

The Unexpected Emotional Breakdown

Jelena Djokovic, who has long stood by her husband’s side both publicly and privately, appeared on a Serbian talk show earlier this week. While the appearance was initially scheduled to promote a charity initiative by the Novak Djokovic Foundation, the conversation took a surprisingly emotional turn when the host asked about Novak’s recent challenges on the court.

Unable to hold back tears, Jelena responded, “It’s been incredibly difficult… not just for Novak, but for all of us as a family. What people see on the court is just a small part of what’s really going on.”

Her emotional outburst quickly drew sympathy from the live audience and viewers across the world, especially when she revealed a deeply personal detail that may have affected Djokovic’s mental and emotional state over the past year.

A Hidden Family Health Struggle

Through tears, Jelena disclosed that a close family member — reportedly Novak’s father, Srdjan Djokovic — has been battling a serious illness in private, and the family has been doing everything they can to protect his privacy while providing support.

“Novak is incredibly close to his father. Watching him suffer, while trying to maintain focus and composure as a top athlete, has taken a toll on him emotionally and mentally,” she said. “He’s always been strong, but even Novak is human.”

This revelation shocked fans and pundits alike, many of whom had speculated about Novak’s lack of energy, unexpected early exits in recent tournaments, and visible frustration during matches. While rumors ranged from physical injury to motivation loss, few had guessed the emotional burden he was carrying behind the scenes.

The Retirement Bombshell

In an even more surprising twist, Jelena ended the segment by touching on Novak’s career trajectory — and the possibility of retirement. When asked if he was considering stepping away from the sport, Jelena replied with hesitation but surprising candor.

“He has talked about it more in recent months. He’s not the same man he was five or ten years ago. The desire is still there, but so are the scars — emotional, physical, and psychological,” she said.

When pressed to elaborate, she continued, “Novak has said that if he doesn’t feel joy stepping on the court anymore, that’s when he will know it’s time. He believes that moment may come sooner than most expect — maybe even after the Olympics or the next Grand Slam season.”

Her words sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has long been considered one of the most mentally resilient players in tennis history. The idea that he may soon hang up his racquet has left fans both saddened and in awe of his journey.

Reactions From the Tennis World

Reactions poured in from fans, fellow athletes, and sports analysts. Many expressed sympathy for Novak and his family, while others praised Jelena for her courage in sharing such a vulnerable truth.

Roger Federer, Djokovic’s longtime rival and friend, posted on social media: “Sending strength and love to Novak and his family. We all battle things off the court that the world never sees.”

While no official retirement announcement has been made by Djokovic himself, the emotional statements from Jelena have sparked a global conversation — not only about the pressures faced by elite athletes but also about the importance of mental and emotional well-being in professional sports.