ROME — In a moment charged with profound emotion, Novak Djokovic stood on the clay of the Foro Italico and addressed the Roman crowd not just as a champion, but as a man whose heart now belongs to Italy.
Fresh from a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Chile's Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, the world No. 1 delivered a speech that transcended tennis, revealing the deep personal significance of his family's recent relocation to the country.
"It feels like home, more than anywhere else," Djokovic told the captivated audience, his voice thick with feeling. "We moved from Monaco, and we are now making home in Italy, and I am really enjoying it. Grazie mille for the warm welcome."
A New Chapter: Uprooting for Family and Future
The decision to leave Monaco, a long-time base for the tennis star, was not made lightly. Djokovic, his wife Jelena, and their two children, Stefan and Tara, have officially established their primary residence in Italy, a move driven by a desire for stability and a richer family life away from the constant glare of the spotlight.
Sources close to the family indicate that the choice was influenced by several key factors, which Djokovic has alluded to in recent interviews. These include:
- A more private and grounded environment for their children to grow up in.
- The cultural and historical richness of Italy, offering a stimulating backdrop for the family.
- Proximity to his native Serbia, making travel to visit extended family more convenient.
- A genuine personal affinity for the Italian people, language, and way of life.
This transition represents a significant life change for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has spent much of his adult life on the road. The emotional weight of this new beginning was palpable as he spoke from the heart on one of the sport's grandest stages.
Dominance on the Court Fuels Emotion Off It
The powerful sentiment of his speech was underpinned by a masterful performance against Tabilo. After a somewhat shaky start to his clay-court season and concerns about a minor head injury from a water bottle incident days earlier, Djokovic looked every bit the king of Rome once more.
He was in complete control from the baseline, his signature return of serve neutralizing Tabilo's power and his own service games largely untroubled. The 6-3, 6-1 scoreline was a statement to the rest of the field that the hunt for a record-extending seventh Rome title is well and truly on.
"I think I played very well," Djokovic assessed in his post-match press conference. "It's been building. The first two matches I was trying to find my rhythm. Today was completely different. I felt from the beginning that I was hitting the ball well, moving well."
A Turning Point in the Season
This victory in Rome is seen as a critical pivot in Djokovic's 2024 campaign. Having not yet claimed a title this year—a rarity for the legendary competitor—the Italian Open represents his final tune-up before his ultimate goal: capturing a 25th major at Roland Garros.
The combination of resurgent form and profound personal happiness appears to be creating a potent mix. "When you feel good off the court, it reflects on the court," he noted, hinting at the synergy between his family's peaceful new life and his professional focus.
The Crowd's Embrace: From Competitor to Countryman
What made the moment particularly poignant was the crowd's reaction. The Roman fans, known for their passionate and sometimes fickle nature, embraced Djokovic's announcement with roaring approval and a standing ovation.
This represents a significant shift for Djokovic, who has often found himself cast as the rival to the local heroes in tournaments across the world. In Rome, a city where he has enjoyed tremendous success, he was suddenly being celebrated as one of their own.
"The energy from the crowd today was something special," he reflected. "I could feel the support, the love. It means more than any trophy."
This connection underscores a maturation in Djokovic's relationship with the global tennis audience. He is no longer just the relentless competitor; he is a husband, a father, and now, an Italian resident, allowing fans to connect with him on a more human level.
Looking Ahead: Roland Garros and Beyond
With his personal life settled and his game clicking into gear, the tennis world watches with bated breath. The emotional release in Rome could very well be the catalyst for another dominant run on the clay of Paris.
A seventh Rome title would tie him with Rafael Nadal for the most in the Open Era, a symbolic achievement as he continues to chase history. More importantly, it would send him to the French Open brimming with confidence.
His immediate goals are clear, but his speech hinted at a broader perspective. The move to Italy is about legacy beyond tennis—about raising a family, building a home, and finding a lasting sense of peace.
As he concluded his on-court interview, he looked out at the sea of faces, a man truly content. "Grazie, Italia. Ci vediamo presto." (Thank you, Italy. See you soon.)
In that simple, heartfelt sign-off, Novak Djokovic wasn't just promising a return to the tennis court; he was affirming his commitment to his new home, a champion who has finally found his place.