Novak Djokovic describes his father as a ‘very, very passionate man’ and that is perhaps a mild way to put it.
Like any parent in the world Srdan Đoković always has his son’s back and supports him no matter what. At the same time he is also renowned for making a series of bold claims about the world No.1. Earlier this year he told Croatian newspaper Jutarnji that Djokovic was already the best tennis player in the world and should be compared only with the world’s top athletes. In a separate interview with Kurir.rs he said the 18-time Grand Slam winner ‘was sent by God to show that we (Serbian’s) are a normal people and not one of murderers and savages.’ On top of that, Srdjan has even claimed that Djokovic was ‘attacked’ by Federer at the age of 18.
The comments are ones that have made headlines around the world but Djokovic insists that his father means well. Speaking to reporters following his opening win at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, the Serbian shed some light on their relationship.
“My father is the greatest support that I had, especially in my early days,” he said. “But obviously I can’t affect what he says. I mean, it is what it is.’
“Everyone thinks with their own head. I have to accept it and respect it. My father is a very, very passionate man. He protects me and he loves me. I know that he does it with the purest and best intentions.”
Of course, some of Srdan’s words and claims are undoubtedly controversial at times. Even Djokovic admits himself that he doesn’t always have the same view as him on certain topics.
“We all say or do things that maybe some other people get offended by that or something like that,” he continued. “I understand that. I still stand by my father and whatever he’s doing. We are family. Of course, I’m going to stay on his side and protect him. (but) I can’t always agree with everything he says.”
Djokovic is 10-0 so far this season following his latest straight sets win over Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo. This week is the first time he has played a competitive match since the Australian Open in what is only his third tournament of the season.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old is satisfied with his latest performance. Which saw him win 61% of his service points and break Sinner five times during the match.
“I felt good. I think ‘solid’ is a good word to describe the performance,” Djokovic analysed. “Obviously I know I can always do better. I’m working towards playing even on a higher level than I did today.’
“I have to be satisfied considering I think I had a tough draw for the first round, playing Sinner, who is in form, who is striking the ball very well. I knew it was going to be a challenge. I walked into the court with the right intensity, right focus.”
Seerking his first Monte Carlo title since 2015, Djokovic will play Dan Evans in the third round.
