Some might expect Novak Djokovic’s first priority to be reclaiming the world No.1 position, but in reality it is far from it.
The 12-time grand slam champion recently stated that family comes first for him as he tries to be a formidable forced on the men’s tour as well as a husband and father. Djokovic has a two-year-old son called Stefan with his wife Jelena. During a recent interview with Serbian chat show RTS, the world No.2 believes he has the ability to excel in both his professional career and personal life.
“Tennis was my number one priority, when Stefan was not born. Now it’s completely opposite. I have a son, a wife, a family, and I am extremely grateful for the blessing of being a father. I’m at the stage where I’m trying to be the best possible husband, father and tennis player. It is challenging, but not impossible.” Said Djokovic according to Tennis World USA.
“Everyone is trying to be the best version of themselves. That’s the case with me as well. At the same time, I cannot be at 100 percent every day in each role, although I try to give my best. I cannot give as much anybody else expects of me.”
Currently life on the tour is far from plain sailing for the Serbian. At the Australian Open he suffered a shock second round defeat to Denis Istomin. Then at last week’s Acapulco Open in Mexico, he was outplayed in the semifinals by Nick Kyrgios. The latest loss resulted in a bemused Djokovic making headlines around the world after his brief 12-word post-match press conference.
Djokovic’s recent shortcomings on the men’s tour has even drawn criticism from one of his former coaches. Niki Pilic, who coached the world No.2 during his junior career, told Bosnian media over the weekend that the 29-year-old is lacking the ‘tenacity’ in his game that he once had. It is not the first time that Djokovic has been criticized for his roller coaster performance on the tour since last year’s French Open. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old is refusing to get dragged down by his critics.
“’I respect everyone’s opinion, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I accept the positive side. However, I do not look back at some of the stories that do not make any sense. I know who I am, where I came from, where I’m going and where I am. Each of us has a right to their own choices, the way they approach life, thinking and it should be respected.” He said.
Currently at a mini-crossroads in his career, Djokovic have no plans of ending his record-breaking career anytime soon. Unlike the past, the goals of the Serbian are somewhat different. Returning to world No.1 is one of his targets, but it is no longer his ‘main goal.’ Instead, Djokovic is taking a more cautious approach as he aims to generate more consistency in his game as he enters the first Masters 1000 tournament of the year.
“I continue to play tennis with the same passion and love that I had when I picked up the racquet for the first time in my hands. Tennis makes me strong, and gives me great emotions and as long as I feel it, I’ll continue to play.” Djokovic explained.
“Being the number one of the world is still one of the goals. I want to return to that position, but it is not the main priority. I’ll be happy if I become number one as a result of my good results and matches.
“Also, I want to improve and have a long career. I don’t see myself ending my career anytime soon, although I’ll be 30 years old.”
Stating that he is working hard in his training sessions, the next stop in Djokovic’s journey will be at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts this week. Seeded second in the tournament, he will be the defending champion.
