Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No. 1 in men’s singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 21 Grand Slam singles titles in his career so far. But what religion does the world-famous athlete identify with?
Novak Djokovic’s Religious Background
Djokovic was born in 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia). His parents, Srđan and Dijana, raised him as a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Christian churches, ranking sixth in order of seniority after Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Russia. As such, it practices Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
So Djokovic grew up in a devout Serbian Orthodox family attending liturgies and being involved in the church community. Religion and faith have played an important role in his upbringing and continue to be a part of his life today.
Ongoing Connection to the Serbian Orthodox Church
As an adult, Djokovic continues to follow the Serbian Orthodox faith and considers it an integral part of his identity and values.
Some examples of his ongoing connection to the Church:
- Attends liturgies and other services during major religious holidays when his tournament schedule allows
- Celebrates religious rituals like Christmas, Easter, and slava in accordance with the Serbian Orthodox calendar
- Got married to wife Jelena Ristic in the Church in 2014 with an Orthodox ceremony
- Says Orthodox liturgies bring him “inner peace and equilibrium”
- Occasionally shares religious posts on social media for important dates like Christmas
So while Djokovic is not overtly vocal about his spirituality, he identifies as a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church and maintains an active, if private, relationship with his faith.
How Djokovic’s Religion Influences His Life and Persona
Djokovic’s Orthodox religion shapes his worldview and approach to life in various subtle ways.
Emphasis on Community and “Collectivism”
- Serbian culture generally emphasizes community over individualism
- Djokovic frequently speaks of his love for Serbia and its people
- Has maintained lifelong friendships with fellow Serbian players and childhood friends
- Expresses feeling connected to something larger than himself on court
Physical Rituals and Wellness
- Orthodox fasting traditions put focus on vegan diet and physical self-denial
- Djokovic is known for his plant-based diet, use of hyperbaric chambers etc.
- Suggests some influence from Orthodox spiritual rituals on focus on holistic wellness
Mental Fortitude and Resilience
- Faith provides sense of purpose and courage in facing life’s trials
- Djokovic has shown immense resilience in bouncing back from tough losses
- Uses visualizations, prayers and other spiritual tools to strengthen mental game
So while mostly subtle, Djokovic’s Orthodox religion promotes a collectivist, community-oriented outlook that supports his physical and mental habits as an athlete.
Contrast With Other Elite Tennis Players’ Religions
To put Djokovic’s faith into better perspective, it is interesting to contrast it with some other famous tennis stars:
Roger Federer
- Identifies as Roman Catholic Christian
- Swiss father met South African mother while both playing tennis in South Africa
- Met wife Mirka, a Catholic, at 2000 Olympics
- Married in Basel Switzerland 2009 at Wenkenhof Villa chapel
Rafael Nadal
- Grew up in majorca, Spain in a Catholic family
- Uncle Toni was a huge guiding force behind his tennis career
- Remains a practicing Catholic to this day
- Got married to childhood sweetheart Xisca Perelló in a Catholic ceremony in 2019
Serena and Venus Williams
- Were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses by father Richard and mother Oracene
- Homeschooled and brought up studying the Bible, preaching door-to-door
- Have mostly avoided discussing religion publicly since becoming famous
So while the top players come from variety backgrounds, Djokovic’s Serbian Orthodox faith is a defining aspect of his identity and worldview.
Djokovic’s Philanthropy and Activism with Orthodox Ties
Djokovic is widely admired for his philanthropy efforts, some of which align with his Serbian heritage.
Novak Djokovic Foundation
Founded: 2007
Mission: Improve early childhood education in Serbia to give children better opportunities.
Initiatives:
- Building preschools and schools
- Distributing scholarships and school supplies
- Arranging creative workshops and activities for kids
Impact: Supported education for over 100,000 children in Serbia
Support for Serbian Orthodox Churches and Monasteries
- Donated millions to reconstruct Orthodox holy sites damaged in regional conflicts
- Places like Dečani Monastery in Kosovo (14th century Serbian Orthodox monastery)
- Wants to protect Serbian cultural heritage and identity in contested regions like Kosovo
So Djokovic’s charity work clearly ties back to supporting causes important to Serbia and its national Orthodox identity.
His other foundations like his Novak Djokovic Foundation for Africa work across cultural lines to benefit children globally. But his Orthodox roots drive his passion for helping vulnerable youth in Serbia access education and protective rights.
Djokovic’s Stance on Politics in Serbia and Kosovo
Related to his Orthodox faith and Serbian identity, Djokovic also occasionally wades into political issues relevant to Serbia.
Views on Kosovo’s Independence
Background: Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following sectarian conflict between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.
Controversy: Serbia still considers it an autonomous province, not an independent country. Tensions remain over protection of Serbian cultural identity there.
Djokovic Stance:
- Opposed Kosovo’s independence from Serbia
- Believes Kosovo is cradle of Serbian Orthodoxy and crucial to cultural heritage
- But pleads for peace and acknowledges complexity of situation
So he shares general Serbian national views regarding Kosovo’s status and protecting Orthodox heritage sites.
Relationship With Serbian Political Leaders
- Friendly with recent former president Boris Tadic who first appointed him a national ambassador
- Has been photographed with controversial leader Aleksandar Vučić
While not overtly political, Djokovic tends to support Serbian leaders promoting nationalist and Orthodox religious agendas. His faith is intertwined with this worldview.
Conclusion
In the end, Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly Serbian Orthodox – a faith that grounds his identity, relationships, charity work and even his physical and mental rituals as an athlete.
This is clear from his upbringing attending Church services to his wedding to wife Jelena in an Orthodox ceremony. He also gives back to Orthodox causes through his foundations. And he shares general Serbian views on political issues tied to Orthodox heritage like Kosovo’s independence.
Of course, as a global sports icon, he is inclusive and respectful of people of all faiths. His values transcend any one religion. But Djokovic does credit his personal faith for promoting his well-being and fortitude as an athlete.
So Djokovic’s faith may be private, but it plays a subtle role in his worldview and approach to life. The sincerity and flexibility of his beliefs shine through in his character and champion status. Understanding Djokovic’s Serbian Orthodox background provides insight into the man hailed as one of tennis’s greatest ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Djokovic’s Religion
Here are answers to some common questions people have about Novak Djokovic’s faith:
What percentage of Serbians are Orthodox Christian?
Estimates suggest between 84-90% of ethnic Serbians identify as Serbian Orthodox Christian, so Djokovic follows the faith of the vast majority of people from his homeland.
Do Djokovic’s parents also follow Serbian Orthodoxy closely?
Yes. Both his mother Dijana and father Srđan were raised Orthodox Christian and appear to actively practice their faith based on social media posts and news reports.
Does Djokovic follow religious fasts or dietary restrictions?
He has followed Orthodox fasting rituals at times, (no meat, fish, eggs, dairy), but Djokovic does not appear to follow strict religious food rules year-round. He eats mostly a plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free diet for performance and health.
Where do Djokovic’s wife and children celebrate Orthodox rituals?
Records suggest the family attends important Orthodox holidays at the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia or local chapels depending on their residence.