Novak Djokovic makes his feelings known on wife Jelena, kids Stefan & Tara's presence in Australia for the first time & its impact on him

For the first time in his career, Novak Djokovic will have his family - wife Jelena, daughter Tara and son Stefan - alongside him in Australia. They will join the Serb during the Australian Open fortnight and the practice days preceding the first Slam of the year, hoping to see him start off the 2025 season on a strong note.

Djokovic is now in action at the Brisbane International, where he has reached the quarterfinals. On Thursday (January 2), he defeated Gael Monfils, registering his 20th win over the Frenchman in dominant fashion.

Speaking at his press conference afterwards, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shed light on how having his family alongside him is impacting him. He admitted that he was a little surprised when Jelena wanted to take the kids with her on the road, seeing as it would mean a lot of challenges with school and travel.

At the same time, Djokovic was glad to see them join him on the trip, especially the love and support they offer him on match days when he needs to play his best tennis.

"As I mentioned on the court, this is the first time my family comes with me, my children, my wife. I was actually a little bit surprised as well, my wife said she wanted to take the kids on the road and come to Australia. I wasn't expecting that because I know it's a long trip, school and everything. Many challenges that you have to face as a parent," Djokovic said.

"I'm doing my own thing here. If I have a match day, I'm spending time getting ready for that match and everything. Obviously 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," he added.

Novak Djokovic was, in fact, happy to be with his family on the trip for one more important reason -- it cut down on the guilt he felt leaving them back at home every year while he made the long trip to Australia.

"So far it's working very well. I mean, I'm feeling great on the court. I'm playing great. It allows me to, first of all, not feel the guilt that I'm so far away for such a long time. I've been feeling that, I must admit, when I would travel to Australia in the previous years," Djokovic said.

"I am more motivated, more calm, more serene" - Novak Djokovic on the importance of his family's presence in Australia

2025 Brisbane International: Day 5 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic further asserted in the press conference that he feels better mentally with his family by his side, noting that he felt more serene and motivated this year when compared to others.

"I'm more motivated. I am also more calm, more serene. I spend great quality time with them. It allows me to also not think about tennis 24/7, to have time where I can just release the tension and be really, yeah, involved in their time," Djokovic said.

The World No. 7 continued about the experience of having his kids in Brisbane, saying:

"It's a great balance so far. Kids have been enjoying the tennis tournament. They know a few players they like to watch. Yeah, it's been great."

Up next, in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International, Djokovic will lock horns with Reilly Opelka.