Calm Down, Girls” – Novak Djokovic’s Wife Jelena Makes Her Feelings Known About Serb’s Latest “Kingdom Style” Memories in Riyadh
November 16, 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In the world of tennis, Novak Djokovic’s legacy is constantly evolving. The Serbian sports icon has not only set records, broken barriers, and redefined what it means to be a tennis champion, but he has also, at times, found himself in the midst of controversies and off-court discussions. His recent trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2024, is no exception. However, it is his wife, Jelena Djokovic, who is making headlines after voicing her opinions about some of the attention-grabbing moments from the couple’s time in the Middle East.
The trip, which included a series of exhibitions, charity events, and even a gala dinner with Saudi royalty, was supposed to be an opportunity for Novak Djokovic to enjoy a brief respite from the relentless grind of professional tennis. Instead, it became a subject of intense scrutiny, both in the press and on social media. As Novak basked in the glory of his status as the world’s No. 1 tennis player, his wife, Jelena, took to social media to express her thoughts on the cultural and social dynamics surrounding their experience in Riyadh—particularly the way some of Novak’s actions were perceived by the public.
Novak Djokovic’s Royal Riyadh Experience
The trip began with Novak’s appearance at a high-profile tennis exhibition in Riyadh, which was part of a broader sports initiative aiming to position Saudi Arabia as a global destination for major sporting events. Djokovic, along with a select group of top athletes, was invited to showcase his talent in front of a packed arena filled with fans eager to witness the tennis legend in action. The exhibition event was designed to blend sports and entertainment, with Novak participating in friendly matches against top local and international competitors.
For many, the most striking aspect of Novak’s trip was his interactions with members of the Saudi royal family. The event was marked by lavish dinners, meet-and-greet sessions, and formal ceremonies. Djokovic was often seen exchanging pleasantries with high-ranking officials, engaging in conversations about the future of sports in the kingdom. For someone of Novak’s stature, such attention was not surprising, but it did raise eyebrows among certain groups, particularly given the ongoing political and human rights debates surrounding Saudi Arabia.
It was at one of these lavish dinners, where Novak was photographed surrounded by Saudi royalty, that the first whispers of controversy began. Critics on social media began pointing out what they perceived as an overly enthusiastic display of Novak’s ‘royal’ treatment, with some commentators accusing him of enjoying too much attention from the Saudis. The media’s framing of the situation quickly turned into a conversation about Djokovic’s “kingdom-style” behavior, with accusations of him being too eager to embrace the luxuries and privileges of his Saudi hosts.
Jelena Djokovic’s Outspoken Response
Amid the growing buzz around Novak’s royal connections, Jelena Djokovic took to her social media platforms to address the situation. In a now-infamous post, Jelena made her feelings clear, writing: “Calm down, girls. It’s not what you think. There’s a lot more to this than what the media is showing.”
Her comment seemed to be a direct response to the flood of online criticism and speculation. Jelena’s words resonated deeply with those who believed that the media was blowing Novak’s interactions out of proportion, and in some cases, misrepresenting his genuine interest in the cultural exchange happening between him and his Saudi hosts. “We came here to experience a new culture, make connections, and support sports initiatives. Let’s focus on the positives,” Jelena continued, calling for greater understanding and appreciation of the Djokovic family’s visit to the kingdom.
Jelena, ever the advocate for her husband, pointed out the positive impact that Novak’s presence could have on the development of sports in the region. She emphasized that the trip was part of Novak’s broader mission to inspire younger generations and to promote peace and sportsmanship worldwide. For Jelena, the negative press surrounding Novak’s royal interactions was distracting from the larger purpose of the trip.
The “Calm down, girls” comment quickly went viral, sparking both support and backlash. Many of Novak and Jelena’s supporters rallied behind the couple, praising Jelena for standing up against the media frenzy. Others, however, questioned whether Jelena’s words were overly defensive, suggesting that Novak should have been more cautious in his engagements with controversial figures in the Middle East.
In a series of follow-up comments, Jelena further explained her stance. She acknowledged that there were some who might find the glamour and attention associated with the royal treatment excessive, but she argued that such experiences were not unusual for someone of Novak’s international stature. “We are not here to make a political statement,” Jelena clarified. “We are here to enjoy tennis, to connect with people, and to be part of something that could help build bridges across cultures.”
The Cultural Divide: Western Criticism vs. Eastern Charm
The incident in Riyadh highlights the cultural divide that often exists between the West and the East, particularly when it comes to sports figures and celebrities. Western media, at times, can be quick to scrutinize high-profile personalities, especially when their actions involve political or culturally sensitive regions. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been a subject of criticism due to its human rights record, restrictions on women’s rights, and ongoing international controversies.
For critics, Djokovic’s public display of friendship with the Saudi royal family was seen as an endorsement of a regime that has long been at odds with Western ideals of democracy and human rights. Novak’s attendance at the event, along with his seemingly jovial participation in the royal celebrations, was viewed by some as a form of compromise or even capitulation to a controversial regime.
On the other hand, there are those who see Novak’s engagement with Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to open new doors for the Middle East’s sporting landscape. Novak, who has been an ambassador for peace and unity throughout his career, has often spoken about his belief in the power of sports to transcend boundaries and bring people together. His visit to Riyadh, according to these supporters, was not about politics—it was about fostering a global conversation around sports and development.
Jelena, in her post, seemed to embrace this sentiment, pointing out that Novak’s engagement with Saudi Arabia was part of his longstanding commitment to making tennis a truly global sport. She cited Novak’s previous charitable work in countries like India, his support for refugee programs, and his outspoken advocacy for sustainable sports initiatives as proof that his presence in Riyadh was motivated by a desire to build connections, not by political interests.
A Family Affair: Jelena’s Role in Novak’s Success
While Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly the face of the family’s public persona, Jelena has played an integral role in his career and personal life. Often seen by his side at major tournaments, supporting his charitable initiatives, and engaging in public discussions, Jelena’s influence on Novak’s mindset and decisions is undeniable. Throughout their relationship, Jelena has been a pillar of support for Novak, helping him navigate the pressures of being one of the greatest athletes of all time.
In interviews, Novak has often credited Jelena with helping him maintain balance and perspective, both on and off the court. Her role has been especially significant in recent years as Novak has faced increasing scrutiny for his views on various global issues, including the COVID-19 vaccine and political matters.
For Jelena, her priority has always been family and integrity, and she has been vocal about wanting to ensure that her children grow up in a world that values kindness, tolerance, and understanding. Her comments about the Riyadh trip should therefore be seen in the context of her protective and supportive nature. She understands the public pressure on her husband but believes that the greater good lies in the connections made, the cultural exchanges experienced, and the positive impact of their presence in the Middle East.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Novak and Jelena Djokovic
The aftermath of the Riyadh trip has left some lingering questions about Novak Djokovic’s future interactions with the Middle East and the role of celebrities in bridging cultural divides. Jelena’s public defense of her husband’s actions is likely to spark further debate, but it also serves as a reminder that, at the heart of all the spectacle, Novak and Jelena remain committed to their family, their values, and their shared vision of a more inclusive world.
Looking ahead, Novak is preparing for the 2025 tennis season with hopes of adding more titles to his already impressive resume. As the world watches how the Djokovic family continues to navigate their public lives, one thing is clear: Jelena will continue to stand by her husband, ready to offer her perspective whenever the need arises.
For now, it seems that the Djokovics have weathered the storm of controversy and are focused on what matters most to them—each other, their children, and the opportunities to positively influence the world through their actions and words.
In the end, as Jelena put it, sometimes the best response to the noise is to simply say, “Calm down, girls.”
Be the first to comment