Introduction
Jelena Ristic is a well-known businesswoman and the wife of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. She is the founder and CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on supporting early childhood education and development in Serbia. Ristic has played a significant role in Djokovic’s life and career, supporting him both personally and professionally.
Early Life and Education
Jelena Ristic was born on June 17, 1986, in Belgrade, Serbia. She grew up in the city and completed her primary education there before moving to Milan, Italy, for her high school education. She then studied business administration and management at Bocconi University in Milan, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Career and Achievements
After completing her education, Ristic worked for a variety of companies in Europe, including luxury fashion brand Ralph Lauren and the finance company J.P. Morgan. However, she eventually decided to return to Serbia and focus on philanthropy.
In 2010, Ristic founded the Novak Djokovic Foundation, with the mission of improving early childhood education in Serbia. The foundation has since launched a number of initiatives, including building and renovating schools, providing scholarships and grants, and supporting educational programs and research.
Under Ristic’s leadership, the foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of children in Serbia. In 2015, it was recognized by the European Union as one of the most successful philanthropic organizations in the region.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jelena Ristic is married to Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful tennis players of all time. The couple met when they were both teenagers, and they began dating in 2005. They married in 2014 in a lavish ceremony in Montenegro.
Ristic has played a significant role in Djokovic’s life and career. She has been his constant companion at tournaments around the world, and she has also been instrumental in his philanthropic work. The couple has two children, a son named Stefan and a daughter named Tara.
Net Worth
Jelena Ristic’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Much of her wealth comes from her role as the CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which has a significant budget for its various projects.
Controversies and Scandals
Ristic has largely stayed out of the spotlight when it comes to controversies and scandals. However, in 2016, she was criticized for her role in a video promoting Djokovic’s new restaurant in Monte Carlo. The video featured Djokovic and several other tennis players eating meat, despite Djokovic’s well-known plant-based diet. Some fans and animal rights activists accused Ristic of pressuring Djokovic to abandon his plant-based lifestyle.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Jelena Ristic’s philanthropic work has been a significant part of her career and personal life. Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, she has been able to make a significant impact on the lives of children in Serbia. The foundation’s work includes building and renovating schools, providing scholarships and grants, and supporting educational programs and research.
In addition to her work with the foundation, Ristic has been involved in a number of other charitable organizations. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation for families of seriously ill children. She has also worked with the World Wildlife Fund, supporting conservation efforts in Serbia.
Leadership of the Novak Djokovic Foundation
As the founder and CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Jelena Ristic has played a crucial role in the organization’s success. Under her leadership, the foundation has launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving early childhood education in Serbia. These initiatives have had a significant impact on the lives of children in the country, providing access to education and resources that would otherwise be unavailable.
Ristic’s leadership has been recognized by a number of organizations, including the European Union, which named the Novak Djokovic Foundation as one of the most successful philanthropic organizations in the region.
Business Ventures and Investments
In addition to her philanthropic work, Jelena Ristic has been involved in a number of business ventures and investments. She worked for several companies in Europe before returning to Serbia and founding the Novak Djokovic Foundation. In recent years, she has been involved in a number of investments in Serbia, including in the hospitality and real estate sectors.
Ristic has also been involved in the launch of several businesses, including a restaurant in Monte Carlo that she and Novak Djokovic co-own. The restaurant, Eqvita, is focused on healthy, plant-based cuisine, reflecting Djokovic’s well-known dietary preferences.
Overall, Jelena Ristic has had a multifaceted career, spanning business, philanthropy, and charitable work. Her leadership of the Novak Djokovic Foundation has had a significant impact on early childhood education in Serbia, while her involvement in business ventures and investments has allowed her to pursue a diverse range of interests. Through it all, Ristic has remained committed to making a positive impact in the world, both through her professional work and her personal relationships.
Awards and Recognition
Jelena Ristic’s work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation and her other philanthropic efforts have earned her recognition from a variety of organizations. In 2013, she was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award at the Hello! Magazine Awards in Serbia. The following year, she was named as one of the Top 10 Women in Philanthropy in Serbia by the Serbian business magazine Ekonometar.
Ristic has also been recognized for her business acumen. In 2016, she was named as one of the Most Successful Businesswomen in Serbia by the Serbian edition of Forbes magazine.
Impact on Women’s Empowerment
In addition to her work in philanthropy and business, Jelena Ristic has been an advocate for women’s empowerment. As a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, she serves as a role model for women in Serbia and beyond.
Ristic has been vocal about the importance of education and the need to empower women in order to achieve social and economic progress. In an interview with the Serbian magazine Lepota i zdravlje, she stated that “women are an integral part of every society and they can contribute a lot to its development. By investing in education and women’s rights, we will have a better future for all.”
Through her leadership of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Ristic has prioritized education and opportunities for young girls, recognizing the critical role that education plays in empowering women and advancing gender equality. By focusing on early childhood education, the foundation is helping to ensure that all children have the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their gender or background.
Conclusion
Jelena Ristic is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist who has had a significant impact on early childhood education in Serbia. She is also the wife of tennis star Novak Djokovic and has played an important role in his life and career. Through her work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, Ristic has made a significant contribution to the lives of children in her home country and beyond.
She has made a significant impact in a variety of fields, including philanthropy, business, and women’s empowerment. Her work with the Novak Djokovic Foundation has improved the lives of countless children in Serbia, while her advocacy for women’s rights has inspired others to pursue their own dreams and aspirations. Through it all, Ristic has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, and her efforts have earned her recognition and admiration both in Serbia and around the world.
