Novak Djokovic recently opened up about the challenges of balancing his passion for tennis with his desire to spend quality time with his family. These candid remarks came after he kicked off his campaign at the 2024 Shanghai Masters with a hard-fought victory.
After receiving a bye in the first round, Djokovic, the fourth seed, faced Alex Michelsen in his opening match. In a closely contested battle, the Serbian star secured a thrilling win, finishing the match with scores of 7-6(3), 7-6(9). This victory brings him closer to claiming his fifth title in Shanghai, further extending his record and inching toward the milestone of 100 career titles.
During the post-match press conference, Djokovic was asked how he managed to balance his various sponsorship obligations with his tennis training since arriving in Shanghai. He emphasized the significance of finding that balance, acknowledging that despite his professional commitments, his family remains central to his life.
However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion denied living a “perfectly balanced life,” admitting that it is a continual struggle to juggle his tennis career with his roles as a husband, father, son, and brother. “We all have different routines, lives, and commitments. It’s hard to make comparisons, but what works for one may not work for another,” he explained.
“I try to balance things, and while it may seem like I live a perfectly balanced life, believe me, it’s not the case. It’s a significant challenge, and I try to enjoy it as much as I can while learning to be the best father and husband I can be, in addition to being a tennis player and, of course, a son and brother,” he added.
Djokovic also shared that while he misses his family during his tournaments, his love for tennis remains strong. He expressed gratitude for the support of his loved ones, which motivates him to continue competing. “I miss my family when I’m on tour, but I truly love tennis, and I have the support of my closest ones to keep going. It’s a constant challenge to accept the present, evolve, grow, and learn from daily experiences,” he affirmed.
As Djokovic continues his pursuit of excellence on the court, he remains committed to navigating the complexities of family life, proving that even the greatest athletes face personal challenges.
