ABU DHABI // Growing up on Mount Kopaonik, a Serbian ski resort where his parents ran a fast-food restaurant, Novak Djokovic probably never imagined he would be the owner of seven grand slam titles and 20 Masters 1000 crowns, as well as winning US$72 million (Dh264m) in prize money before his 28th birthday.
The world No 1 has also spent 127 weeks at the top of the men's rankings, and he has done all this in an era that boasts two definite claimants to the greatest-of-all-time tag, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Yet Djokovic says these achievements pale in comparison to the joy he felt when he and wife, Jelena Ristic, had a son they named Stefan on October 21 last year.
“It has definitely given me a larger dimension and perspective in life,” Djokovic said as he talked about parenthood.
“It has deeply fulfilled me like nothing before. Everything that I have achieved so far and done in my life – and I have experienced some very joyful moments – but nothing could really compare to becoming a parent. My wife and I were really blessed to have this opportunity to become a parent, and we try to enjoy every moment of it.”
Parenthood has brought about a few changes in Djokovic’s normal routine. Although he has been kept awake by his son on a few nights, the proud father is not complaining.
“Well, you wake up a few times in the night here and there, but there are worse things in life that can happen,” Djokovic said.
“It’s not easy, but I find it a source of positive energy and just pure love. I don’t look at it as a commitment or engagement – something that I have to do. It is something that just comes naturally as a parent.
“This is what my wife and I have planned and wished for – to be parents. We have been blessed and now we are enjoying it.
“It’s going to require a little bit more organisation, more people travelling and more bags, more overweight. But generally, it’s just a very positive thing that happened.”
Djokovic plays his first match in this year's Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Friday when he faces No 4 seed Andy Murray at Zayed Sports City.
arizvi@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
