Djokovic opens up on fatherhood since relocating to Athens with family: 'The greatest lesson of being a father...'

It’s been over a month since tennis superstar Novak Djokovic moved out of his home country Serbia along with his family, shifting base from Belgrade to Athens in Greece. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had even turned emotional while discussing his decision to move to Athens along with wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara, stating that he felt “really at home” in the Greek capital.

Spending more time with his family members has been at the heart of his decision-making of late, from settling in a neighbouring country to being selective about his workload in his late 30s by skipping a few events.

In a chat with ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, Djokovic also opened up on fatherhood and how he has learned to balance his tennis schedule with his personal life, and give his full attention to his children while spending time with them instead of multi-tasking.

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“The greatest lesson of being a father is being present and not multi-tasking while you are with children, because they demand your full attention on whatever you are doing, whether you are playing with them or doing something else,” Djokovic said.

“You always have to be in that moment. I think that’s what kids teach us the most, really: to be forgiving, to move on and to be present,” he added.

‘Balance the professional and private life’

The 38-year-old wishes he could pass on the advice to his younger self that he has learned in the twilight of his legendary career.

“I would tell him to play the long game, be patient and trust the process. And try to have fun and enjoy that process as well,” the Paris Olympics gold medallist continued.

“Balance the professional and private life. Yes: Be dedicated, be devoted, work hard, that’s a must. But don’t lose yourself in the process. Don’t waste the young years, meaning you should live your life as well because you can’t turn back the time,” he added.

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Djokovic had found himself the target of a smear campaign earlier this year after he publicly supported protests against President Aleksandar Vučić – who has been in power since 2017.

With the Serbian government having “set its sights” on the individual who arguably is the country’s greatest athlete and among the greatest in tennis history, Djokovic was forced to take a call on the future of his family, and start afresh in a neighbouring country.

Since moving to Athens, his children have enrolled in a private British school in the Greek capital.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is currently competing in the inaugural Hellenic Championships, an ATP 250 event in Athens in which he has reached the semi-finals.