Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic opened up about “the part” he “struggle(s) with more now.” While many might assume he refers to the sport’s physical demands, the reality is quite different. The Olympic gold-medalist athlete revealed his challenges on tours: separation from his wife and children. As the Serb delved deeper into the discussion, his words highlighted him as a devoted family man whose success is intertwined with the support and love of his family.
The Serb kicked off his season with the Brisbane International, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing 6(3)- 7(8), 3-6 against Reilly Opelka. While waiting for his first match in the 2025 Australian Open against Nishesh Basavareddy in R1, the eager and motivated Djokovic revealed his challenges regarding leaving his family behind for the tour. When the Serb defeated Gael Monfils at Brisbane’s Round of 16, he confessed his happiness about having his family in the stadium with him. “It allows me, first of all, to not feel the guilt that I’m so far away for such a long time.” He added, “Every time you have to separate with your kids and your wife, there’s a lot of tears involved. It’s not easy.” However, Djokovic does not always have the opportunity to have his wife and kids by his side cheering for him. Due to personal work commitments and the kids’ schooling, Jelena Djokovic stays home when her husband is on tour.
Although it highlights Djokovic and his wife’s coordination and bond, the Serb feels sad leaving her at home for work commitments. Reflecting on his difficulties in packing up his car and staying alone in the hotel for the first couple of nights, the former ATP number one said, “I feel the most intensity of those emotions, of sadness, of separation, of regret, and just the incredible need to be back with my children and my wife.”
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Djokovic confessed to GQ Magazine how he tries his best to be present on his family’s important days. Despite that, he is forced to miss his daughter Tara’s birthday since it usually coincides with the second week of the US Open. Regardless, Djokovic’s wife and kids accompany the Serb on tour sometimes to help mitigate the distance and pangs of separation. For example, the Djokovic family attended the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and cheered on for Novak. Reflecting on their energizing presence, Djokovic made a heartwarming confession which showed how his family means the world to him.
Novak Djokovic revealed how his family’s presence on tour helps in his calmness
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The Serb confessed he is “more calm, more serene” when his wife and kids are there to cheer for him. Reflecting on how this situation motivates his performance, Djokovic said, “I spend great quality time with them. It allows me to also not think about tennis 24/7, to have time where I can just release the tension and be really involved in their time. It’s a great balance so far.”
Djokovic also dropped a special message for Jelena that highlighted how lucky he is to have such a supportive wife: “My wife, she’s here supporting me, trying to give me that love and energy, along with kids, that I need to play my best tennis. So far, it’s working very well. I mean, I’m feeling great on the court. I’m playing great.”
Interestingly, when he lost the 2024 Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz, he had an adorable message for his wife and kids at the closing ceremony. His words echoed how his family’s presence turned his sadness into a moment of happiness. “To my wife, I love you. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for being here. To my wonderful children, Tara and Stefan, thank you also for bringing a smile to my face every single day. God, I keep on tearing up every single year when I look at them on the closing ceremony. But it’s incredible to have them,” Djokovic said.
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Novak Djokovic‘s emotional confessions – a far cry from his heyday – reveal the portrait of a man who despite his on-court aggression, nurtures a sensitive heart. His unfailing dedication to his family and regard for this presence deserves applause, making him one of the role model athletes of the generation.