Career or family? Honors or leisurely family time? This dilemma is one that many athletes encounter, especially parent-athletes who have to strike a balance between training and family obligations. Their roles are pivotal in their children’s lives, so it is imperative for them to attend to their needs and spend time with them. However, they must also work hard in their athletic endeavours because doing so not only allows them to realize their dream but also provides them with financial security.
However, switching back and forth between the two might be taxing on their bodies, so it is crucial that they occasionally take a break and concentrate on just one thing.
But the real question is, what is more important to them? Being an athlete and winning championships, or watching their child grow up and spending quality time with them?
When speaking on the subject recently, Novak Djokovic claimed that being a father had given him more rewards than any victory he had experienced thus far. And for a 24-time Grand Slam champion and world number-one tennis player to make such a statement speaks volumes.
Djokovic on becoming a father
Via The Tennis Letter: “Personally, as a father, I have learned that spending more time with children really grants you with incredible satisfaction & beautiful emotions & things that you carry for a long time that define fatherhood & parenthood in a way. Just spending as much as possible quality time with my children.”
Djokovic continued by saying that since he changed his schedule to fit his preferences, he has been able to spend more time with his family.
“And because I have been modeling my schedule this year to my likings where I want to play, & I haven’t played many tournaments at all, I’ve gotten to spend more time with my family. That was a beautiful thing. Because the rewards that you get in the relationship are something that is bigger than anything.”
Novak Djokovic says the reward he gets from being a father is bigger than anything else:
"Personally, as a father, I have learned that spending more time with children really grants you with incredible satisfaction & beautiful emotions & things that you carry for a long time… pic.twitter.com/guDgTlsDyj
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 29, 2023
Novak Djokovic
With Roger Federer’s retirement, Djokovic and Nadal are now vying for the top spot in the race to become the next GOAT of the sport.
When he defeated world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev in the US Open finals last September, Djokovic won his fourth championship, tying John McEnroe for the most titles in the tournament’s history. This also marked his 24th Grand Slam title, making him the all-time leading singles player in the sport.
After the three intense sets, Djokovic embraced his daughter, who had been a vocal supporter throughout the game, and momentarily broke down in tears.
Paris Masters next
Novak Djokovic is scheduled to make his return to competitive action at the Paris Masters, where he has won the title six times in a row, at the conclusion of October. The tournament will be immediately followed by the ATP Finals, as per eurosport.
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