Before Novak Djokovic became a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the greatest players in tennis history, and before Maria Sharapova became a global icon with a Wimbledon title and a career Grand Slam, the two young stars were just ambitious athletes breaking onto the professional tennis scene. Amid their rising fame and competitive spirits, a lighthearted and playful moment once unfolded between them — a moment that led to a dinner date neither would forget.
Back in the early 2000s, Djokovic and Sharapova found themselves regularly crossing paths at tournaments, exhibitions, and practice courts. One such occasion was during an exhibition event in La Quinta, California, in the lead-up to the prestigious Indian Wells tournament. At the time, Djokovic, ever the charismatic and confident competitor, saw an opportunity to get closer to Sharapova, who was one of the sport’s biggest rising stars and a head-turner both on and off the court.
During the exhibition, Djokovic made a cheeky bet with Sharapova: if he won his match, she would agree to go on a dinner date with him. It wasn’t your typical athlete wager — this one had a personal twist. Djokovic was clearly smitten with the Russian star and used his playful charm to turn a match into a memorable moment.
True to his word and talent, Djokovic won the match and, with the bet secured, took Sharapova out to a Japanese restaurant. The two enjoyed their dinner ahead of Indian Wells, sharing a light and casual evening. While their chemistry on the tennis court was undeniable, the dinner date didn’t blossom into a romantic relationship.
Sharapova, reflecting on the experience in later interviews, described Djokovic as entertaining and hilarious, noting his constant energy and charisma. Djokovic himself has joked about the story in past press conferences, referencing the dinner with a fond smile and calling it a “victory on and off the court.”
Though the dinner didn’t lead to romance, it became one of those unique footnotes in tennis history — a humorous, human moment that showed a different side of two ultra-competitive athletes. In the years that followed, Djokovic would go on to dominate men’s tennis, collecting record-breaking Grand Slam titles and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the sport. Sharapova, too, carved out an illustrious career, becoming a five-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most recognizable names in sports and fashion.
Today, Djokovic is happily married to Jelena Ristic, his longtime partner and the mother of his two children. The couple tied the knot in 2014 and have built a life centered on family, philanthropy, and Djokovic’s continued success on the ATP Tour.
As for Sharapova, she’s now retired from professional tennis and has transitioned into business and entrepreneurship, leaving behind a legacy of grit, elegance, and resilience.
But that one playful bet and dinner date between two future legends remains a charming anecdote from a time when both were still climbing the mountain — a story that fans still smile about when remembering the early days of Djokovic and Sharapova.