Is Lazar Djokovic related to Novak Djokovic? Explaining connection between VCU basketball player, tennis legend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A key addition from the 2025 offseason has helped the VCU Rams make their second-straight run to the NCAA Tournament.

After falling in the first round of March Madness in 2025, VCU brought back some key pieces from that successful roster, but also landed a top transfer center in Lazar Djokovic. 

In the 2025-26 season, Djokovic then helped guide the Rams to an Atlantic 10 title, reaching another NCAA Tournament then upsetting No. 6 UNC in the first round to continue making some noise.

The last name Djokovic is a very familiar one to the average sports fan — it can immediately bring thoughts of tennis star Novak Djokovic. Is the VCU center of any connection to the tennis player?

Here's what to know about Lazar Djokovic's background.

MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Who is Lazar Djokovic?

Lazar Djokovic is a third-year forward for the VCU Rams. He has transferred twice, now on his third collegiate team. 

Listed at 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds, Djokovic's size has led to him finding success at the college level, particularly at VCU. He spent his freshman season at Xavier, and after averaging 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game at Charleston the following year in 2024-25, Djokovic transferred to VCU.

He became a starter for the Rams, bringing elite size and scoring punch inside. In the 2025-26 season, Djokovic has averaged 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, one of the leading forces of a VCU team that won the Atlantic 10 title and won an NCAA Tournament game.

Lazar Djokovic with MASSIVE dunks on back-to-back possessions. @VCU_Hoopspic.twitter.com/U2Eg7P4S1R

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 14, 2026

Djokovic, outside of college, has also competed for Serbia in the FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 14.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He is 22 years old, and will turn 23 on Apr. 15, 2026.

🇷🇸6'11 Junior, Lazar Djokovic (@lazardjokovic17) had an important role in VCU's victory over North Carolina:
-15 points
-5 rebounds
-2 assists
-2 blocks

Lazar is one of the most versatile forwards in the league, unstoppable in the paint, but also big threat beyond the arc. He is… pic.twitter.com/9Q6heoZxWZ

— LayUp Hoops (@Layup_Scouting) March 20, 2026

MORE: How VCU, Lazar Djokovic made statement with NCAA Tournament win over UNC

Is Lazar Djokovic related to Novak Djokovic?

No, VCU forward Lazar Djokovic is not related to tennis star Novak Djokovic, despite having the same last name.

Both athletes are from Serbia, but are not related. Lazar's parents are named  Dragana and Nenad Djokovic.

MORE: How does OT work in March Madness?

Where is Lazar Djokovic from?

Lazar Djokovic is from Gornji Milanovac, Serbia. 

Prior to his commitment to Xavier, Djokovic attended Graficko-Medijska in Belgrade, Serbia. He also competed in the FIBA U19 World Cup, shining as one of his team's top performers.

MORE: Most March Madness wins by school

Where is Novak Djokovic from?

Novak Djokovic is from Belgrade, Serbia. His parents' names are Srdjan and Dijana.

HISTORY OF UPSETS BY SEED:
16 vs. 1 | 15 vs. 2 | 14 vs. 3 | 13 vs. 4 | 12 vs. 5