"It's a very sensitive subject" - When Novak Djokovic respected Andy Murray for being ready to quit Australian Open to be with pregnant wife

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray shared an intense rivalry on the ATP tour, facing off in several iconic matches and treating fans to entertaining Grand Slam clashes over the years. However, that did not stop the duo from sharing respect for each other off the court.

At the 2016 Australian Open, for instance, Murray made a strong comment that should his pregnant wife Kim go into labor during the tournament, he would not hesitate to leave the tournament to be with her. Djokovic was asked about the Brit's decision during his pre-tournament press conference, and whether he himself would make the same choice.

The Serb, at that point, was a father of one, with his wife Jelena having given birth to their son Stefan just over a year ago. He admitted that he would do the same thing as Murray, recalling how when Jelena was pregnant he had his bags packed and ready to leave should she go into labor.

"Considering his situation of course I support and I agree with his decision. I would do the same. I just became father almost 15 months ago. I understand the position that he's in," Djokovic said.

"I was not in the Grand Slam. I was still kind of in dilemma whether my wife would go into labor not. I was actually in China. It was 2014. I didn't know actually whether it was going to happen or not. I was ready to pack my bags and go," he added.

At the same time, Djokovic insisted that the decision will have to come down to the individual's in such a sensitive subject, adding that he would respect whatever choice Murray made at the end of the day.

"Again, it's a very sensitive subject to talk about. It's very individual. You got to respect the decision of an individual, especially of somebody who is in his position," Djokovic said.

What happened to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at Australian Open 2016?

2025 Australian Open Previews - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, both reached the final of the 2016 Australian Open, displaying dominant tennis throughout the fortnight. In the semifinals, Djokovic took apart third seed Roger Federer, while Murray took down Milos Raonic to reach the final.

In the summit clash, it was the Serb who came out on top, winning in straight sets to lift his sixth title in Melbourne and 11th Slam overall. For Murray, on the other hand, it was his fifth loss in the final Down Under. Days later, his wife Kim gave birth to their first daughter, Sophia.