Novak Djokovic has revealed he finds it a “constant challenge” to balance his professional tennis career alongside his role as a father
Novak Djokovic has revealed he finds it a “constant challenge” to balance his professional tennis career alongside his role as a father
Novak Djokovic has revealed he finds it a “constant challenge” to balance his professional tennis career alongside his role as a father, husband, and family member.
Djokovic is currently in action at the Shanghai Masters, where he defeated Alex Michelsen in two tiebreak sets on Saturday.
The Serbian is travelling without his family this week, with his wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara staying at home while he battles to try and win a record-extending fifth Shanghai title.
Djokovic has spoken openly throughout the latter stages of his career and this year about trying to find the perfect work-life balance in his tennis career.
And, speaking in Shanghai, he revealed that it was a challenge to “embrace the present” and find the perfect balance in his own life.
“What works for one person may not work for another,” he said.
“I try to balance things out and maybe I seem like I’m living a perfectly balanced life, but trust me, I’m not. I try to make the most of it and learn, be the best father and husband I can be, while being a tennis player, and of course a son and a brother.
“I miss my family when I’m away, but at the same time I love tennis, I really do, and I have the support of my loved ones to keep playing.
“So, yeah, it’s a constant challenge, in a way, to really embrace the present and evolve and grow and learn from the experiences that you get to have every day.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my life to experience all that I’ve experienced, to have all of these successes. And I’m very grateful to God for giving me that opportunity.
“So I try to remind myself sometimes when I’m going through tough times, like everybody else, I have tough days, but you have to remember what matters most, the connections, the relationships with people, and try to be the best version of yourself that you can be every day. “I think that’s kind of the formula.”
The Serbian has played a more limited schedule than in the past recent years, due to his family commitments and desire to preserve his body for as long as possible.
After winning the US Open last year – a third major triumph of 2023 – he did not play again until the Paris Masters and ATP Finals, winning both events.
This year alone Djokovic has skipped significant events such as the Miami Open and Madrid Open, though is playing in Shanghai after missing the tournament 12 months ago.
He will face 28th seed Flavio Cobolli or Stan Wawrinka in the third round in Shanghai, with that match delayed until tomorrow due to weather.
