Novak Djokovic opens up on the heartbreak of being away from his family to win the Australian Open

Family could end up being the only thing that can stop tennis ace Novak Djokovic, and the Serbian star admits it’s getting harder and harder to stay away from his wife and children for long periods.

Djokovic reclaimed his mantle as world number 1 after winning a 10th Australian Open final in Sunday night against Stefanos Tsitsipas, also tying Rafael Nadal for 22 Grand Slam titles.

Novak with his wife Jelena Djokovic. He credits his support for helping him pursue his tennis dreams around the world.

The Djokovic family, including children Stefan and Tara, enjoy some time together during a rare break from their father’s hectic tennis schedule.

It was an emotional victory after he was deported from Australia in 2022, banned from the US Open and beaten by youngster Holger Rune in the Paris Masters final.

The Serbian star collapsed after the win as emotions ran high.

Now fans are asking how long the 35-year-old will continue, with only one more Grand Slam title required to become the greatest of all time in the Slam era.

In an ominous warning to opposing players, Djokovic said he feels mentally and physically ready to keep playing.

A SNAPSHOT OF NOVAK’S GREATNESS

Djokovic with the Australian Open trophy

Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas was a tenth Australian Open title. It also means that he is on the same level as Rafael Nadal in 22 slams in his career and restores his ranking as world number 1.

He is the only player to spend 373 weeks as world number 1 on the ATP Tour and the only player to finish 7 years in the top spot.

Djokovic is the only man to win 37 ATP Masters titles

He is also the only man to win every Masters title at least twice and joins Nadal as the only men to have won all four Grand Slams twice.

“I feel game-wise physically, I can still sustain and maintain the top level,” he said.

‘So as long as that’s the case, why not move on?’

But the world number 1 admits he doesn’t know how long that motivation will last him due to the constant pressures of being a father.

Djokovic is a proud father to Stefan, 7, and Tara, 4.

His family did not travel to Australia this time and Djokovic admits that being separated from loved ones could be a determining factor in his retirement.

“I don’t know when the end will happen in terms of professional career,” he said.

Djokovic breaks with his supporters after Australian Open win that meant a lot after he was deported in 2022 and also banned from competing at the US Open.

“Right now I have the motivation, I have the support of those closest to me, which is also something that is probably underestimated and perhaps not talked about much, but it is key, especially as a father.

‘Being absent from the children is not something that makes me very happy. It’s a balancing act between me and my wife and the close people in my life.

“So the fact that she’s there for our kids and all that, allows me to be able to do what I love and still make some progress, significant progress, in this sport.”

However, fans of the tennis superstar shouldn’t worry that he will retire anytime soon, as Djokovic said motivation remains as strong as ever.

‘Of course, I have career goals and ambitions. Those are grand slams and being No. 1 in the world,” she said.

“Those two pinnacles of professional tennis have always been there as targets for me. So I want to make more history of the sport, for sure.