In an emotional revelation, Novak Djokovic shared the joys and challenges of balancing professional tennis and family life, especially as he heads toward a big goal at the Australian Open. For the first time, Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, and their two children, Stefan and Tara, joined him in Australia, marking a touching moment for the tennis titan.
At the Brisbane International, the 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed a feeling of motivation and calm, mainly attributed to the presence of his family during the decisive tournament. With a glint in his eye, Djokovic spoke fondly of how the presence of those close to him enriches his experience and enhances his performance.
“My heart is happy to have them here,” Djokovic said after beating Gaël Monfils to advance to the quarterfinals. “It relieves me of the guilt that tends to linger when I’m away from them for long periods of time. Previous trips to Australia often meant being separated from my family for four to five weeks, which was incredibly difficult. tears that accompany goodbyes can be heavy to bear Every time I left, I wondered why I had to endure this emotional pressure again and again. However, knowing that they are here waiting for me at home rekindles my motivation. is a relief huge.”
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This new family dynamic has not only helped Djokovic emotionally, but has also led to a more relaxed attitude on and off the court. “I’m calmer and more collected now,” he reflected. “Time spent with my family allows me to disconnect from tennis, easing tension and helping me stay fully engaged in our moments together. It’s a nice balance that I enjoy.”
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Djokovic credited the unwavering support of his wife and children as a significant factor in his positive mindset. “Jelena is here, supporting me with love and energy, creating the foundation I need to excel in my game. So far, it’s working wonderfully. I feel fantastic on court and I’m playing exceptionally well.”
While Djokovic is aiming for victory at the Brisbane International—a title he has yet to win—he is also setting his sights on an even bigger prize: capturing his 11th Australian Open title. . This accomplishment would place him ahead of Margaret Court in the historic Grand Slam rankings, further cementing his legacy in the world of tennis.
In his quest for excellence, Djokovic leaves no stone unturned, even seeking advice from British F1 driver George Russell. “George took me to the Mercedes technical room to meet with their data and technology team, a group of about 15 experts focused on different technical elements,” Djokovic recounted. “It’s like Disneyland! There’s so much to be gained from analyzing data. The real challenge lies in how to translate it effectively on court. I’m passionate about data, particularly video analysis, because it helps me allows me to identify patterns in the playing style of my next opponents.”
