Novak Djokovic explains how his wife and children made one particular Grand Slam win extra special

Novak Djokovic recently recalled his experience of lifting his record-surpassing 23rd singles Grand Slam title at the 2023 French Open. According to Djokovic, the presence of his children and wife in the final at Roland Garros made it one of his illustrious career's "most beautiful moments".

In a recent interview with his racket sponsor Head, Djokovic remembered how his results in the buildup to the 2023 French Open weren't the greatest and said,

"That was the historic 23rd. Important moment, obviously. I had a solid tournament. I would say I played pretty good, considering, not that great lead up claycourt season I had to Roland Garros. So I know that in Roland Garros, I play my best tennis on clay, and so that gave me confidence that I can play my best tennis in Paris." (4:05)

The Serb went on to revisit his semifinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz, who was the top seed at the tournament. Djokovic won the match 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. He then cast his mind back to the winning moment in his 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 victory in the final over Casper Ruud, with the Serb's wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara watching on.

"I did, particularly in the last few matches against Alcaraz, the semis, and he was in red hot form, but I had very clear tunnel vision of what I need to do and how I need to approach the match, and I think I played really good tennis there," Djokovic added.

"And also in the finals, a very solid match against Casper Ruud. That last forehand that went wide from him, I just fell down on the court on the floor and had my children there and my wife and whole family. Just, one of the most beautiful moments I've ever experienced," the Serb concluded.

By winning his 23rd Major title, he eclipsed great rival Rafael Nadal's previously-held record of 22 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic had equaled Nadal's record by winning the 2023 Australian Open after edging Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

The Serb would go on to create further history last year by winning the 2023 US Open, his 24th title triumph at a Major. As things stand, he is level with Margaret Court in the number of Grand Slams won, and needs one more to become the tennis player with the most Major titles in the history of the sport.

Earlier this year, Djokovic snapped his singles gold medal drought at the Paris Olympics. Once again, his children and wife were present in the French capital to watch it all unfold, with the Serb later expressing how "lucky" he felt to have them there.

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"Unique, remarkable, unforgettable" - Novak Djokovic on Paris Olympics 2024 success and family's presence

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

Djokovic endured a difficult 2024 season, during which he failed to replicate the extraordinary feats he achieved in 2023. However, the Serb produced his best tennis of 2024 at the Paris Olympics, where he came out on top against favorite Carlos Alcaraz to finally clinch the men's singles gold medal at the prestigious Games.

Later, at a press conference during the Rolex Shanghai Masters, the Serb reflected on the win and what it meant for him to have his children and wife witness it first-hand.

"It was just something unique, remarkable, unforgettable, something I'll carry in my heart and my memories for the rest of my life . I was very lucky also to have my wife and my kids there, you know, to experience it live, because it is the highlight of my career," Djokovic said.

The former World No. 1 is set to start his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, having roped in former rival Andy Murray as his new coach.