The Legacy of Kristina Mladenović: A Family Rooted in Sports and Serbian Heritage
In a recent interview with Sportal, the parents of tennis star Kristina Mladenović, Dženita and Dragan Mladenović, opened up about their daughter’s career, their Serbian roots, and the influence of sports in their lives. The conversation highlighted not only Kristina's achievements but also the deep connection the family maintains with their heritage, despite having lived in France for many years.
Dženita, a former volleyball player, and Dragan, an Olympic handball champion from the former Yugoslavia, have been constants in Kristina’s life, traveling with her to tournaments and providing unwavering support. They emphasized that Kristina has not forgotten where she comes from. “Our children grew up in France, but they know their roots,” Dženita proudly stated. This connection to their Serbian heritage is something they have diligently passed down to Kristina and her brother, Luka.
The Mladenović family’s sports background played a crucial role in shaping Kristina’s career. From an early age, they were by her side, guiding and supporting her through the ups and downs of professional tennis. Dragan mentioned that they wanted to instill in Kristina the same discipline and commitment that defined their own athletic careers. “Sport is a huge responsibility,” he noted, adding that success in sports requires a combination of talent, hard work, and a strong support system.
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Kristina’s mother, Dženita, spoke about the challenges of being both a parent and a coach in Kristina's early years. They were determined to be present in her life, not just to guide her athletic journey, but also to ensure that she was prepared for the realities of life as a professional athlete. Dragan echoed this sentiment, stating that they were always careful to maintain a clear boundary between their roles as parents and their involvement in her sports career.
The Mladenovićs are passionate supporters of their daughter’s career and Serbian sports in general. They described themselves as “fiery” fans, a trait likely inherited from their backgrounds in team sports. Whether cheering for Kristina on the tennis court or supporting their favorite Serbian teams, their enthusiasm is palpable. Dragan even mentioned how they often attend Red Star Belgrade basketball games when in Serbia, enjoying the intense atmosphere and proudly supporting their homeland.
Despite the challenges of raising children in a foreign country, Dženita and Dragan made sure that Kristina and Luka grew up speaking Serbian and understanding their cultural roots. Dragan expressed disappointment that many Serbian families abroad do not maintain their native language, but he is proud that this is not the case for his children. “Kristina often says she is Serbian by temperament, and it’s true. She didn’t lie about that,” Dženita added with a smile.
As the interview concluded, Dženita reflected on the unique characteristics that set Serbian athletes apart. She acknowledged that while many countries produce great sports talents, there is something special about Serbian athletes—a resilience and determination that has driven their success on the global stage. She cited Novak Djokovic as an example, stating that while the world may not need another Djokovic, his legacy should inspire future generations.
In the end, the story of Kristina Mladenović is one of family, heritage, and the enduring power of sports. Through the guidance and support of her parents, she has remained connected to her roots while forging her path in the world of professional tennis. As her career continues, the Mladenović family’s story serves as a testament to the strength of cultural identity and the importance of family in achieving greatness.
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