‘It’s Not Like That Anymore’ – Novak Djokovic Gets Honest About His Family’s Sacrifices As His Priorities Shift

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on how his priorities in life have shifted beyond his focus on tennis. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, now 39 years old, discussed his recent vacation with his family in Montenegro, where he enjoyed quality time with his wife Jelena and their children.

After previous matches, including the Wimbledon semifinals where he lost to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic returned to family life in order to support his loved ones. At the Cincinnati Open, he aims to regain momentum ahead of the US Open.

In a pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic revealed that his approach to balancing his tennis career with family responsibilities has changed. He emphasized that while attention to family needs is essential, it's not as straightforward as it was in earlier stages of his career. Djokovic explained that his role has evolved from being solely centered on tennis to encompassing that of a father, husband, brother, and son. He acknowledged the sacrifices his family has made for his success on the court.

Djokovic further highlighted that he is currently competing in only six tournaments this year, significantly reducing his schedule compared to previous years. He intends to evolve beyond his one-dimensional role as a tennis player and prioritize rest and recovery during his downtime between events. The Serbian tennis legend is eager to return to the court and compete in the Cincinnati Open, where he is set to face Thiago Agustín Tirante in the second round on August 15.