Novak Djokovic does not play as many tournaments throughout the year as he once did, giving him a greater chance to develop his skills as a father.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion may still be in shock after his early exit from the US Open. He lost to Alexei Popyrin in the third round, ending the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
Some are concerned that Djokovic will start rapidly declining. Martina Navratilova recently said that Father Time will catch up with Serbian, who is now 37 years old.
However, others are more hopeful about Djokovic’s chances of remaining competitive at the top of men’s tennis. Former US Open quarterfinalist James Blake believes the former world No. 1 could challenge for Grand Slams until he is 40.
1982 Australian Open semifinalist Paul McNamee said Djokovic is the favorite for next year’s Melbourne tournament. He has won the Australian Open ten times, making McNamee’s prediction understandable.
Although continuing to compete for Grand Slams is important for Djokovic, he has spoken previously about the perspective that being a father has given him, and his wife, Jelena Djokovic, offered insight into what kind of a parent he is.
Jelena said Djokovic spreads joy and alleviates stress in the family. Being a playful father is one of the former world No. 1’s biggest strengths as a parent.
“Yes, being together and having free hugs really helps me to fill up with energy. Reading books and playing games are very important for all of us. Novak is great at playing with children, he is a very playful father, which brings joy to the family and helps us with all the stress.”
Despite being a high-profile couple due to Djokovic’s fame, Jelena said the pair often do simple things with their kids in response to what they need, which are frequently the most valuable to them.
“It is really something valuable, something to have and to work on. It came to us intuitively because we were just responding to what our kids needed by doing these funny things. Sometimes the simplest things we do are actually the most important,”
Djokovic’s role as a playful father fits with previous comments he made to the Tennis Channel about keeping his kids active and making sure they live healthy lifestyles.
“Out of the two parents I am the one that is responsible for their activities, sports, healthy lifestyle. I keep on in a way reminding them how important it is to be active, just do sports, I mean whether it is tennis or whatever it is, just be active, be out there. So I try to take them on with me on tennis every day, even if it’s the match day I want them to be here with me,”
