Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, is no stranger to the pressures of the ATP Tour. But at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters, it was a moment off the court that captured his heart and sparked a candid reflection. Days after a shock second-round loss to Alejandro Tabilo, Djokovic’s 11-year-old son, Stefan, was spotted courtside, enthusiastically cheering for his father’s rival, Carlos Alcaraz, during the Spaniard’s semifinal clash against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. In a touching moment shared during the Madrid Open’s official podcast, Djokovic opened up about his feelings, revealing a father’s pride and a champion’s grace. “It’s beautiful to see Stefan so excited about tennis,” he said, admitting that his son’s passion for the sport fuels his own drive to keep competing.
The Monte-Carlo Masters, held from April 6 to 13, marked a challenging start to Djokovic’s clay season. After a first-round bye, he faced Tabilo, ranked No. 32, and fell 6-3, 6-4 in a match marred by 32 unforced errors. “I only care about Roland Garros pretty much,” Djokovic admitted post-match, signaling his focus on the upcoming French Open, where he’s a three-time champion. While his early exit was a disappointment, Stefan’s presence in Monaco softened the blow. Accompanied by his mother, Jelena, and sister, Tara, Stefan has become a regular at tournaments, often seen rallying behind his father. But at Monte-Carlo, it was Alcaraz, the 21-year-old world No. 3, who captured the young fan’s attention.
Stefan’s admiration for Alcaraz is no secret. Djokovic revealed in 2022 that his son had shifted his allegiance from Rafael Nadal to the rising Spanish star. “In the last month, for my son, Nadal is no longer number one. Alcaraz is his favourite now,” Djokovic shared at the time, noting Stefan’s love for mimicking Alcaraz’s explosive forehand and emotional intensity. This bond was evident during Alcaraz’s 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Davidovich Fokina, which secured his first Monte-Carlo final. Courtside cameras caught Stefan, seated in a box with another child, engrossed in the match—a moment commentator Nick Lester highlighted: “I think that is Stefan Djokovic.” The crowd, which included France football manager Didier Deschamps and former AS Roma captain Francesco Totti, buzzed with excitement as Alcaraz clinched the win after six match points.
Djokovic’s response was quintessentially warm. Rather than bristling at his son cheering for a rival—who leads their head-to-head 5-3, including a thrilling 2023 Wimbledon final victory—Djokovic embraced Stefan’s enthusiasm. “He really likes both [Nadal and Alcaraz]. He imitates the way they play, Nadal’s forehand, and the emotion, it’s beautiful,” he had previously said, and this sentiment carried over to Madrid. The Serbian, who has faced Alcaraz eight times, most recently defeating him in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, sees their rivalry as a mutual respect. A heartwarming 2023 Wimbledon moment, when Stefan and Jelena greeted Alcaraz during his champion’s walk, underscored this camaraderie.
Alcaraz’s Monte-Carlo run was a career milestone. After a 2022 second-round loss to Sebastian Korda and injury withdrawals in 2023 and 2024, he arrived hungry for clay success. His 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 comeback against Francisco Cerundolo in the second round showcased his resilience. “I didn’t start well. I made a lot of mistakes,” Alcaraz admitted, but his aggressive shift—drop shots, net play, and deeper returns—propelled him to the final, where he faced either Alex de Minaur or Lorenzo Musetti. For Stefan, watching Alcaraz’s dynamic play was a thrill, reflecting the Spaniard’s growing influence on tennis’s next generation.
Djokovic’s family has been a constant presence on tour, with Jelena and their children offering unwavering support. Stefan, an aspiring player himself, mirrors his father’s love for the game, making his admiration for Alcaraz a poignant reminder of tennis’s ability to transcend rivalries. As Djokovic prepares for Roland Garros, where he aims for a 25th Major and his 100th career title, Stefan’s excitement keeps him grounded. “It helps me continue competing,” Djokovic said, a testament to the joy his son brings to a career defined by relentless pursuit. In a sport of fierce competition, this father-son story at Monte-Carlo is a refreshing ode to love for the game.