A fascinating relationship between personal ties and tennis success can be seen in Damir’s career story. He attributed his confidence during tournaments to his then-girlfriend, Serbian model Dejana Zivkovic, in late 2017. It was said that their relationship was “strikingly similar” to a catalyst that sharpened his focus at pivotal times. She cheered courtside and accompanied him to events, providing a composed assurance in stressful situations.
Her presence appeared to coincide with a pivotal moment: weeks after Damir became the first Bosnian ATP champion with his historic victory at the St. Petersburg Open, he went on to win the Kremlin Cup. Like a swarm of bees cooperating to create something sweet, that performance spike felt like synchrony—personal support and professional performance harmonizing.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Damir Džumhur |
| Birth Date | 20 May 1992 (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
| Height | 1.75 m |
| Turned Pro | 2011 |
| Highest ATP Rank | No. 23 (2 July 2018) |
| ATP Titles | St. Petersburg Open; Kremlin Cup (2017) |
| Son | Luka (with Barbara Šegetin) |
| Girlfriend | Dejana Zivkovic (circa 2017) |
The growing prominence of athlete-model relationships was reflected in their pairing. Damir and Dejana’s partnership demonstrated how romance and athleticism can blend into an engaging media narrative, much like power duos like Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian captivate the public. At the 2018 Australian Open, fans reacted favorably to photos of them enjoying zip-lining rides, which showed moments of relaxation in contrast to the fierce pressure of Grand Slam competition.
However, after spending a few months together, their chapter came to an end in early 2018. Even though they had a friendly breakup, Damir’s momentum had arguably been strengthened during that time. He soon embarked on a new personal phase with Barbara Šegetin, a Croatian model. The birth of their son, Luka, marked a significant turning point in their relationship and changed Damir’s priorities.
Being a father caused a change in viewpoint. He highlighted how Luka gave him new purpose during a post-match reflection in Melbourne, something that went beyond any ranking or trophy. His stories about striking a balance between parenting and playing on the court showed that he was a real person who aspired to happiness outside of sports. He thus supported a growing trend among athletes that acknowledges the importance of mental health, emotional fortitude, and familial ties in high-performance sports.
Near his 30th birthday, Damir also experienced a serious health setback: acute pancreatitis. That scare turned out to be a turning point, necessitating hospitalization in Belgrade and Paris. In addition to physical recovery, he had to reaffirm his feelings of gratitude for his son, partner, and chance to play. Adversity grounds him, but love keeps him afloat, according to those close to him.
Despite being brief, Dejana’s influence signaled a turning point in Damir’s development. Her encouragement during his breakthrough demonstrated how an athlete’s drive can be supported by outside forces to create a “exceptionally durable” platform. His performance arc included their relationship as a chapter, demonstrating how interpersonal relationships can produce “remarkably effective” outcomes on the court.
Damir is still the top-ranked player in Bosnia today, juggling his growing family and playing top tennis. A multi-layered athletic journey is illustrated by his life’s public romance, paternal purpose, and post-illness recovery. His story speaks to fans who value vulnerability and success combined in an era where athlete narratives are going viral.
This story highlights a change in society: athletic success is no longer only based on physical ability. Parenthood and partnerships have made emotional wellness a priority. Damir’s development—from the guidance of a loving girlfriend to the mooring of fatherhood—reflects the all-encompassing rise of a contemporary athlete.
His storyline puts him in the company of sportsmen like Novak Djokovic, who, like him, found newfound fortitude via his own familial experience. The pattern is consistent throughout the circuit: professional clarity frequently results from emotional fulfillment. A tennis champion is transformed into a relatable modern hero in Damir’s story, which is shaped by close relationships and personal struggles. His performance is more determined by the relationships that motivate him than by his rankings.
