Novak Djokovic once shared an amusing story about an awkward moment he experienced during his first date with his now-wife, Jelena. The tennis star wanted to impress Jelena and decided to take her to a high-end sports bar in Monte Carlo. He hoped the sophisticated setting would set the perfect tone for their budding romance. However, things didn’t go exactly as planned, leading to a situation that left him feeling embarrassed.
Trying to be a gentleman, Djokovic took the liberty of ordering a steak for Jelena, believing it would be a safe and impressive choice. His intentions were sincere, as he wanted everything to go smoothly and make a great impression on her. However, when the dish was served, the evening took an unexpected turn. The meal turned out to be steak tartare, a dish made of raw minced meat, which Djokovic had never encountered before.
Unaware of what steak tartare was, Djokovic initially thought the steak was undercooked. Embarrassed by what he assumed was a mistake on the restaurant’s part, he called the waiter over to complain about the meal. He wanted to ensure Jelena had the best experience and was adamant about rectifying the issue. Little did he know that the meal was prepared exactly as intended and that steak tartare is traditionally served raw.
The realization of his misunderstanding left Djokovic feeling awkward and self-conscious. As someone who always strives to project confidence and charm, the situation was far from what he had envisioned for their first date. However, what could have been a disastrous moment turned into a lighthearted memory, thanks to Jelena’s sense of humor and understanding. She found the incident amusing and didn’t let it affect their evening.
Looking back, Djokovic has admitted that the incident was both embarrassing and funny, something he now recalls fondly. It marked the beginning of their relationship, which has since flourished into a strong partnership. Jelena’s ability to take the situation in stride and Djokovic’s willingness to laugh at himself became a testament to their compatibility.
Today, the story serves as a cherished anecdote for the couple. It highlights how even the most awkward situations can bring people closer together when approached with humor and understanding. For Djokovic, the memory is a reminder that sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to unexpected, yet meaningful, moments.
