Before flying to Shanghai for the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic shared a heartfelt moment that underscored the challenges of balancing professional tennis with fatherhood. The world-renowned Serbian tennis star revealed that his son, Stefan, had expressed a strong desire to accompany him on the trip. However, Djokovic had to gently turn down the request, citing the importance of his son’s schooling and the need for children to have their own independent routines.
Djokovic explained that Stefan, who has developed a growing interest in tennis himself, was eager to travel with him and experience the tournament environment. As someone who frequently travels across the globe for tournaments, Djokovic often tries to bring his family along when possible. However, he acknowledged that such decisions can’t always be made on sentiment alone.
“He wanted to come, but he has school,” Djokovic said during a media interaction. “I love having my kids with me, but they can’t live daddy’s life. They need to live their own life, and school is part of that.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion added that while his children’s enthusiasm for tennis and their support for him bring immense joy, it’s important to instill a sense of structure and discipline in their lives—something that constant travel might disrupt. He also noted that being a father means making decisions that may not always be easy or popular with the kids but are ultimately in their best interest.
This candid admission gave fans a glimpse into the more personal side of Djokovic, who is not only a fierce competitor on the court but also a deeply involved father off it. While he remains committed to his tennis career, Djokovic emphasized that parenting comes with responsibilities that extend beyond simply providing experiences and opportunities. Ensuring his children receive a solid education and understand the value of independence is a priority he holds dear.
The moment reflects a growing trend among elite athletes who are increasingly vocal about the complexities of balancing their careers with family life. For Djokovic, who has often spoken about the influence of his own upbringing and the role his parents played in his success, this decision is a continuation of those values—rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and perspective.
As Djokovic prepares to compete in Shanghai, fans can expect his usual focus and intensity on the court. But behind the scenes, it’s clear that his thoughts are never far from home, where one little tennis fan is undoubtedly cheering him on—homework and all.
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