Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has opened up about the emotional challenges of balancing his extraordinary career with his responsibilities as a husband and father. The Serbian star, now 37, has dominated the sport with a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles. However, his relentless pursuit of excellence has come at a personal cost—time away from his wife, Jelena, and their two children, Stefan (9) and Tara (7).
During the Davis Cup in September 2024, Djokovic spoke candidly about the guilt he feels when his career takes him away from home. “Being absent from the children is not something that makes me very happy,” he admitted. His words reflect the emotional struggles many professional athletes face—torn between their passion for their sport and the longing to be present in their children’s lives.
Despite his demanding schedule, Djokovic remains deeply involved in his children’s upbringing. One area where he and Jelena have had to navigate differing perspectives is their approach to technology. Djokovic revealed that Stefan and Tara do not own mobile phones, a decision influenced by their commitment to limiting screen time. He explained, “If everyone does something, the herd behaves like this, you have to follow them. Well, it doesn’t have to be like that.” His comments highlight his belief in setting personal parenting standards rather than conforming to societal norms.
Instead of excessive screen time, Djokovic encourages an active and creative lifestyle for his children. Given his own success in tennis, it is no surprise that sports play a major role in their upbringing. Stefan has already shown an interest in tennis, occasionally practicing with his father. However, Djokovic and Jelena ensure that their children have a well-rounded childhood beyond athletics.
Music is another passion they have incorporated into their daily lives. Tara plays the violin, while Stefan enjoys playing the guitar. Djokovic himself has taken up the saxophone, and their shared musical sessions have become a cherished family tradition. “Sometimes our jams last for hours, and it’s my favorite part of the day or trip,” he shared.
Despite his unparalleled success in tennis, Djokovic’s reflections reveal that his biggest challenge is not on the court but in finding the right balance between his career and his family. As he continues to chase more records, his commitment to his role as a father remains just as strong. Through conscious parenting choices and shared family experiences, Djokovic is striving to give his children a childhood filled with love, discipline, and creativity—values he hopes will shape their future, regardless of whether they follow in his footsteps on the tennis court.
