"When I step into the home, it's not about me, it's about my wife, my boy" - When Novak Djokovic opened up about how fatherhood impacted his career

Novak Djokovic reflected on how fatherhood impacted his career, saying that when he returned home, his focus shifted away from himself and was centered on his family. The Serb's remarks came during the 2015 Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic had a remarkable outing in Shanghai in 2015. He began his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Martin Klizan and followed it up with dominant wins against Feliciano Lopez, Bernard Tomic, Andy Murray, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final, ultimately securing the title.

Ahead of his campaign in Shanghai, the Serb sat down with the media to discuss his experience as a new father, having welcomed his son Stefan with his wife Jelena just a year prior.

He shared how he had to make adjustments, such as leaving certain professional topics behind when he entered his home, emphasizing that becoming a family man was now his top priority.

"The biggest adjustment I had to make as a father is living most of the things that are related to my profession. Common subjects I was talking about before in the house, before I became a father, I had to leave that behind the door," Djokovic said.

"When I step into the home, it's not about me, my career. It's about my wife, it's about my boy. I think that's the biggest adjustment I think any successful athlete or person needs to make," he added.

Djokovic and Jelena have known each other since childhood, having first met as kids in their hometown of Belgrade, Serbia. They began dating as teenagers while attending the same school, and their relationship blossomed over the years as they grew up together.

The couple got married in July 2014 in a beautiful ceremony held in Montenegro, known for its picturesque coastal views. Their son, Stefan, was born on October 21, 2014, and their daughter, Tara, was born on September 2, 2017.

Novak Djokovic: "I am so grateful to be a father of these two wonderful angels, they give me strength"

Novak Djokovic pictured with his daughter Tara at the 2023 US Open | Image Source: Getty

Stefan and Tara have been regular faces in Novak Djokovic's box, along with his wife Jelena, over the years. One of their most memorable family moments came at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb went to hug Tara, and tearfully embraced her after winning the title by defeating Casper Ruud.

Djokovic spoke about that special moment, saying his children's presence gave him tremendous motivation. He mentioned that he had always dreamed of performing in front of them once they were old enough to understand the sport.

"They have been so good, last couple of days watching tennis," he told the media during 2023 ATP Finals. "It’s a thrill. I always wanted to perform in front of them, once they reached the age that they are aware of what’s going on and I think this is the age, right now they are both conscious of what’s happening."

The 24-time Grand Slam champion added:

"I am so grateful to be a father of these two wonderful angels, they blessed me with so much happiness and joy in my life and love and yeah, they give me strength no doubt."