Djokovic explained how difficult it is to be away from his family while playing at the Australian Open and other tournaments. After speaking with TV host Stefanovic, Djokovic spoke about one of the toughest parts of his career, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has two children with his wife, admitting that it is becoming increasingly difficult to leave his family, but also denying any plans to retire in the near future.
Djokovic suffered a disappointing end to this year's Australian Open, losing to Sinner in the quarter-finals. The world number one has not lost in Melbourne since 2018, ending his 33-game winning streak.
But there doesn't seem to be any sign that he's slowing down, although he will be 37 years old by the time the next Grand Slam event, the French Open, kicks off, and after talking to Djokovic about the difficulties of being away from his family, host Stefanovic dismissed speculation that he is about to retire.
He'll be back, the host said: There are all sorts of debates about his future. But he hasn't had time to think about retirement yet. He's still having a lot of fun, and he's still an incredible guy. 」
Previously, Djokovic shared the drawbacks of participating in the Australian Open, explaining that it was the longest trip he has made away from home each year. Can you accept living away from your children? Stefanovic asked the 98-time ATP champion in Melbourne. The 36-year-old replied: To be honest, not really. I did struggle more and more as time went on. Australia was a long journey, probably our longest trip of the year. 」
Djokovic revealed that he had missed a milestone in his daughter's life because he was not present when she lost her first tooth. Djokovic added: My son is nine years old and my daughter is six years old. They change daily, every week. My daughter's first tooth fell out and I wasn't there. At the same time, it's all about balance. 」
This is not the first time Djokovic has spoken publicly about the difficulty of balancing work and family. After winning the ATP year-end finals, he said at the end of the 2023 season: As a person, the balance of private and professional life is key. I mean, obviously everyone's situation is different. We are all different individuals. 」
It is a very demanding sport with a lot of travel intensity throughout the year. You have to race all over the world, which is wonderful and it allows us to travel around the world and play in front of many different people and countries. At the same time, it also separates you from your family and loved ones. Djokovic said.
That's probably the biggest challenge I face, balancing things while still being able to be part of my kids and wife's lives and being able to be there when it matters. How do I stay connected when I'm away. Obviously, technology allows you to communicate, but it's a different story when you're not there. 」