Novak Djokovic thanks wife Jelena, son Stefan & daughter Tara for 'making his heart full' with grand Australian Open 2025 gesture

Novak Djokovic recently sent his love to his wife Jelena and his two children, Stefan (10) and Tara (7), after finishing the 'A Night With Novak' exhibition at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday (Jan. 9). Djokovic also expressed hopes of a deep showing at the 2025 Australian Open so that his children can enjoy the country for a longer period of time.

Djokovic endured a mixed season on the ATP Tour last year; while he finally won the gold medal at the Olympics, he failed to win a single title outside Paris as he fell to 7th in the men's singles rankings. Thus, the 37-year-old arrives in Melbourne this year with a chip on his shoulder, especially considering his prospects of winning a record-breaking 25th Major title later this month.

To get his Australian Open campaign underway, Novak Djokovic participated in an exhibition called 'A Night With Novak'. The proceeds from the event will go to several children's charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation. During his on-court interview afterward, the 37-year-old was asked about his thoughts on having his family courtside, watching him play tennis at this juncture of his career.

In response, the World No. 7 said that his family traveling with him for this year's Australian Open gave him great joy. He also expressed appreciation for his wife Jelena's efforts before wishing for his kids to "enjoy some tennis and some sight-seeing" during the next fortnight.

"It means the world to me. It's their first time in Australia, so it's great to have them there," Novak Djokovic said after the exhibition was over. "My heart is full, you know, when I have my family with me. It's a long way to get to Australia from where we live. I appreciate my wife [who was] willing to make the trip with my kids and giving me support that is always necessary."

"Hopefully, we can have another couple of weeks in Melbourne. They can enjoy some tennis, some sightseeing," he added. They seem to be enjoying it tonight, it's probably past their bedtime but they're still hanging on."

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Novak Djokovic to begin Australian Open 2025 campaign against American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy

Novak Djokovic during charity exhibition (Source: Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has enough match practice under his belt ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, having reached the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International last week. The Serb will be eager to move past Margaret Court's tally of 24 Majors this month and become the record-holder for most singles Grand Slam tournaments won since the inception of tennis.

The 24-time Major winner, seeded seventh at this year's Happy Slam, will take on USA's Nishesh Basavareddy, who is currently in the semifinals of the ASB Classic. The 24-time Major winner has not dropped a first-round match in Melbourne since 2006, making him the overwhelming favorite to come through this encounter unscathed.