Novak Djokovic, one of the most celebrated athletes in tennis history, has always balanced his professional commitments with the demands of fatherhood. His love for his children, Stefan and Tara, is evident, and he has made it clear that being a present and engaged father is as important to him as his tennis career. During a candid interview with *La Nacion*, Djokovic shared his thoughts on fatherhood, shedding light on how he manages the challenges of being both a dedicated father and a world-class athlete.
Djokovic’s journey as a father has been deeply intertwined with his tennis career. As he continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport, his children have often accompanied him on the tour, sharing in his experiences, both the victories and the defeats. One of the most memorable moments that captured Djokovic’s love for his children occurred after his heartbreaking loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Wimbledon final. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, Djokovic’s thoughts turned to his son, Stefan, and whether the young boy would one day wish to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“Tennis is not the only thing, but if you wish to pursue it, I’ll be there for you,” Djokovic said, revealing his compassionate and supportive approach as a parent. His love and dedication to his children were on full display once again later that year when he won another Grand Slam title. Instead of the usual celebrations, Djokovic pretended to play the violin with his racket, a heartwarming tribute to his daughter, Tara, who had spent the summer taking violin lessons. These moments illustrate how Djokovic seamlessly blends his personal and professional life, always keeping his family at the forefront of his thoughts.
Despite his demanding career, Djokovic emphasizes the importance of being a father in the “real sense of the word.” For him, that means being present at home, following a daily routine, and ensuring that his children see him not just as the tennis superstar “Novak Djokovic,” but as a loving father who is there for them. In his interview, Djokovic candidly shared his vision for fatherhood and his hopes for the future.
“It is important they see me as a father in the real sense of the word, as a father who is at home, with them, who follows the routine—the time to go to bed, to get up, take them to school, talk to them about life, play with them. That’s the person I want to be for them, not the father ‘Novak Djokovic’ who is outside,” Djokovic explained. He highlighted that his ultimate goal is to cultivate a close and meaningful relationship with his children, one that is built on love, trust, and everyday interactions.
While his children may not yet fully understand the magnitude of his achievements, Djokovic remains committed to being there for them, ensuring they have a normal upbringing despite their father’s fame. He acknowledges that his children are aware of his tennis career, but his focus is on being present for them in the everyday moments that truly matter. “I do everything to have that kind of relationship, and it seems to be going well, but I don’t know. I imagine I won’t know until they grow up, but they are aware of what’s going on,” Djokovic admitted.
The 37-year-old tennis star’s reflection on fatherhood also comes as he contemplates the future. Though he continues to compete at the highest level, Djokovic is not immune to the desire to spend more time with his family. The ATP tour is grueling, demanding time away from home for much of the year, and Djokovic has expressed a desire to eventually step back from the sport to focus more on his role as a father and husband. However, he made it clear that, for now, he has no immediate plans to retire, even as the demands of family life pull him in a different direction.
Djokovic’s thoughts on fatherhood are not just limited to his personal life but also reflect his deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a role model. He recognizes that his actions on and off the court are observed not only by his children but by millions of fans around the world. This awareness has shaped how he approaches both tennis and parenting, with Djokovic striving to set an example of perseverance, kindness, and humility for his children and admirers alike.
As he prepared for an exhibition match against the soon-to-retire Juan Martin del Potro in Argentina, Djokovic’s thoughts remained on his family. He openly shared that the pressures of his career often conflict with his desire to be at home more often. Nevertheless, he remains deeply committed to being the best father he can be, even if it means finding creative ways to stay connected with his children while on the road.
Djokovic’s reflections on fatherhood offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a champion who has achieved so much on the court but whose heart lies with his family. His love for his children and his desire to be a present and engaged father highlight a side of Djokovic that fans don’t always see. While his tennis career continues to thrive, Djokovic’s ultimate legacy may well be the values he instills in his children and the example he sets as a loving father.