BELGRADE — In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where every forehand and backhand is scrutinized, the role of a player's family often remains in the shadows. For Novak Djokovic, however, his father Srdjan has been a constant, vocal, and sometimes controversial presence. In a rare and candid recent interview, Srdjan Djokovic has opened up about the intense journey, admitting to past "mistakes" while also revealing a poignant personal wish for his son's retirement that went unheeded.
A Father's Confession: Passion and Regret
Srdjan Djokovic, a former professional skier, has never been far from the spotlight during his son's record-shattering career. From famously predicting Novak's future greatness to his occasional fiery outbursts in the player's box, his passion is undeniable. Now, reflecting on the tumultuous path, he acknowledges his actions weren't always perfect. "I made some mistakes, I admit that," Srdjan stated, though he was quick to contextualize his fervor. "But everything I did, I did out of love for my son and my family. I am a father first, and sometimes a father's protective instincts override everything else." He pointed to the immense pressure and adversity the Djokovic family faced, particularly in Novak's early years on tour when they were often outsiders challenging the established order of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
This admission of fallibility humanizes a figure often portrayed as a one-dimensional, combative force. It speaks to the complex reality of navigating global fame and intense competition from the unique vantage point of a parent. Srdjan's "mistakes" are likely a reference to several high-profile incidents, including his boycott of tournaments during the COVID-19 vaccination saga and past statements that have sparked controversy, which he has since clarified or walked back.
The Retirement Wish: A Plea Ignored
Perhaps the most revealing part of the interview was Srdjan's disclosure of a deeply personal desire he once held for his son. He confessed that following Novak's historic victory at the 2021 US Open, which completed the calendar-year Grand Slam and brought his major tally to 20, tying Federer and Nadal, he privately wished for a storybook ending. "After he won in New York, achieving that incredible dream, I told him, 'My son, maybe it is time. Maybe you stop here, at the very top, with this unbelievable achievement.'"
For Srdjan, the pinnacle seemed reached, and the relentless physical and mental toll of the tour was a growing concern. He envisioned a graceful exit, leaving the sport as an undisputed legend on his own terms. However, Novak's competitive fire had other plans. "He looked at me and said, 'Dad, my love for this game is still burning. I feel I have more to give, more to achieve.'" The champion's refusal to heed his father's wish underscores the intrinsic drive that separates the great from the immortal. Novak was not content with tying records; he was determined to shatter them.
What Novak Achieved After the "Stop" Signal
Since that conversation in late 2021, Novak Djokovic has done more than just continue playing; he has authored one of the most dominant chapters in tennis history. His achievements post-father's retirement suggestion include:
Surpassing Steffi Graf's record for the most weeks at World No. 1.
Winning multiple more Grand Slam titles, breaking the men's all-time record and setting a new benchmark of 24 majors.
Securing a record-breaking eighth Wimbledon title and a record-extending tenth Australian Open crown.
Reaching a record 400th week at the top of the ATP rankings, a feat once thought unattainable.
Looking back, Srdjan admits his wish was born from a paternal instinct to protect his son from future hardship, not from a doubt in his abilities. "As a father, you see the pain, the sacrifice, the years of struggle. You want to shield them. But Novak sees the court, the challenge, the history. His vision is clearer than mine in that regard. He was right to continue."
No Regrets: The Unbreakable Bond
Despite acknowledging his missteps and the unfulfilled retirement wish, Srdjan Djokovic's overarching message is one of unwavering pride and zero regret. "Would I change anything? Perhaps a word said in heat, a moment of frustration. But the journey itself? The path we walked as a family? Never." He emphasizes the collective struggle, from training in an empty swimming pool during the NATO bombing of Belgrade to facing years of being the "third wheel" in a rival-dominated sport.
This perspective reframes the narrative around the Djokovic camp. It’s not merely a story of defiance, but one of profound familial unity and sacrifice. Srdjan, along with Novak's mother Dijana, built the foundation upon which the champion's mentality was forged. Their belief was absolute, even when the world's was not. "We believed in Novak when few others did. We fought for him. That is a parent's job. The mistakes were part of the fight," he concluded.
The interview offers a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics of tennis's most successful family. It reveals a father who, while proud and sometimes pugnacious, is ultimately reflective and deeply connected to his son's well-being. Novak Djokovic's decision to play on against his father's cautious wish has led to a period of unprecedented dominance, vindicating the champion's own insatiable appetite for greatness. In the end, Srdjan Djokovic's story is one of unconditional support, a testament to the fact that behind every sporting icon, there is often a family whose love is as fierce as the competition itself.