"We started showing pictures but not Stefan's face because of his own protection" - When Novak Djokovic opened up on privacy concerns for his child

Novak Djokovic once explained why he and his wife Jelena decided not to reveal their son Stefan’s face to the media, citing concerns for his son's safety. The Serb made these comments during the 2015 Shanghai Masters when Stefan was just a year old.

Djokovic and Jelena have known each other since childhood. They attended the same high school in Serbia and dated for eight years before getting engaged in Monte Carlo in September 2013.

The couple married in July 2014 in a beautiful ceremony at Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, and have been happily together ever since. They have two children: their son Stefan, who is now nine, and their daughter Tara, who is seven.

Djokovic and Jelena chose not to reveal Stefan's face when he was a toddler, a decision the 24-time Grand Slam champion later explained to the media during the Shanghai Masters. He shared that the choice was made out of concern for their son's safety and privacy.

"We didn't share the photos of Stefan for a long time. We started showing pictures but not his face because of his own sake, his own protection. Everybody is different. Obviously, our view is that we don't want him to be exposed at this stage of his life. He's only a baby," he said.

"We are aware also of the fact that sooner or later he's very close to start walking. He's going to chase the ball, which he's already doing. Eventually, he is going to come to the tennis courts. Still, he hasn't been on the tennis courts. He's going to come and people will obviously see him, pictures," he added

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Novak Djokovic: "When I’m with my son, who loves tennis, I’m a different person"

Novak Djokovic pictured with his son Stefan | Image Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic's son, Stefan, and daughter, Tara, have been a regular presence in his player's box over the years, alongside his wife, Jelena. They were by his side once again during the 2023 French Open, boosting his preparation throughout the tournament.

Djokovic later shared with the media that he was very pleased to have both of his children by his side. He also spoke about how Stefan loved tennis, and having him around provided him with extra motivation and inspiration to perform well.

"It’s a pleasure for me to see them both, my son and my daughter yesterday, today and tomorrow," the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.

He added:

"When I’m with my son, who loves tennis, I’m a different person. It gives me a lot of motivation and inspiration to play. He loves tennis and maybe, he’ll play here one day."

Djokovic went on to lift the trophy at Roland Garros in 2023, defeating Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final.