"Didn't want to risk it"- Novak Djokovic shares the truth behind his surfing adventure with wife Jelena, son Stefan, & daughter Tara

Novak Djokovic opened up about his surfing adventure with his wife Jelena, son Stefan, and daughter Tara after his 2025 Australian Open second-round triumph over Jaime Faria. The Serb shared that his family enjoyed the activity but he refrained from indulging in it.

Djokovic faced 21-year-old Portuguese debutant Faria in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, January 15. The World No. 7 was tested after Faria claimed the second set, but he ultimately prevailed with a 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 victory.

In his post-match interview, Djokovic shared details of his surfing adventure with his family in Melbourne before the tournament began. He explained that he provided "moral and physical support" to his wife and children but did not participate himself.

"I didn’t want to risk it, to be honest," he said.

When reminded that surfing can be dangerous, the Serb mentioned that he would consider giving it a try if he makes a deep run in the Grand Slam.

"I mean, it looks like a controlled environment, you know, a really nice facility, so hopefully, yeah, going to go deep in the tournament, and after I’m done, maybe I’ll give it a try. My son and my wife did a great job. My daughter, she was a little bit overwhelmed with the size of the waves, I mean, from her perspective, so I had to give her emotional support. I was there for that. And, yeah, it was amazing to spend some quality time with my family," he said.

Djokovic, now through to the third round of the 2025 Australian Open for the 17th time, made history by surpassing Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played. The 10-time champion is also aiming to become the oldest player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam.

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Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena, son Stefan, and daughter Tara have traveled with him to the Australian Open for the first time

Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena (L) and son Stefan (R) at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

During an exhibition match before beginning his Australian Open campaign, Novak Djokovic revealed that his family had traveled with him Down Under for the first time.

“This is the first time my family comes with me, my children, my wife [to Australia],” Djokovic said. “If I have a match day, I'm spending time getting ready for that match. She has to take care of the kids. She's here supporting me, trying to give me that love and energy, along with kids, that I need to play my best tennis."

Further, he explained that he feels less guilty about being away for long periods and is more motivated and calm knowing they'll be there when he returns home. The quality time with them helps him relax and step away from tennis, releasing tension.

In the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic will face a stern test against Tomas Machac. The Czech defeated Reilly Opelka in the second round 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-4. The American had got the better of Djokovic in Brisbane earlier this month.