Behind every successful athlete is a team that supports him through thick and thin. For Novak Djokovic, that support system has always been his family.
The Australian tennis superstar shared a close bond with his parents and has often celebrated whenever he has won a title.
His parents have also been vocal about his career and never shied away from clapping back at critics of their son. His father in particular has been defending him in the media and doesn’t mind using unprintable words.
In the last, Djokovic has sought to play down some of the utterances of his father but says he understands the love the man has for him.
“I love my father. My father is greatest support that I had, especially in the early days. But obviously I can’t affect what he says. I mean, it is what it is,” Djokovic said.
“Everyone thinks with their own head. I mean, I have to accept it and respect it. My father is a very, very passionate man. He protects me and he loves me. I know that he does it with the purest and best intentions.”
So, how well do you know the tennis star’s father?
Who is Novak Djokovic’s father Srdan Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic’s father is Srdan Djokovic. Srdan, who was born in Serbia, played a critical role in Novak’s rise, as he was responsible for his son’s training when he was young.
Previously a ski instructor, Srdan and his wife, Dijana, later moved into a restaurant and sports equipment business. Both dedicated their lives to Nova’s career when he took an interest in tennis.
In a 2016 interview, Srdan revealed how he did everything to ensure his son made it to the top, saying: “Only Novak mattered. Everything was done to make Novak achieve what he has achieved today.”
Srdan has often gone to ‘war’ for his son and recently criticised the way Novak was treated by Australian authorities despite being granted medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
He also traded words with Roger Federer in what was a long-running feud with the Swiss tennis star.
