Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has a glorious record at the Australian Open. Djokovic has etched his name in the annals of history as one of the greatest players of all time with his exploits on the court. While the Serb has enjoyed the fruits of his labor, he has always had his family by his side to support him. This is why the glaring absence of his wife, Jelena Djokovic, and his parents has raised questions.
Djokovic took to the courts at Melbourne Park as the defending champion. He had won the title ten times already and was eyeing a record 11th one. However, rising Italian star Jannik Sinner simply outplayed him in the semifinals and sent him crashing out.
In addition to Novak’s performance, his lack of family support at the tournament has stood out. This is not the first time that Novak has played in Melbourne without his family around.
Djokovic’s family did not travel with him (Credits: AP, Daily Express)
Novak’s mother, Dijana Djokovic, opened up about the reason they skipped traveling to Australia this year. Dijana confessed that the primary reason was distance. “Well, it’s a long way, it’s a far country, and really, when you just think that you have to travel for 25-30 hours, it’s not good for you,” she said (translated from Russian via Sportal).
She went on to add that the Djokovic family wanted to be present in 2023 after what he went through the year before. Since Novak did not take the COVID-19 vaccine, he was deported to Serbia from Melbourne.
The first time the Djokovic family attended the event was back in 2008, when Novak lifted the trophy for the first time. They were present last year too, when he won the silverware for the tenth time. Novak Djokovic has a close-knit family that will support him regardless of his results.
What will Novak Djokovic play next?
With Novak out of the running at the Australian Open, it has raised questions about where he will play next. Djokovic has a lot of important tournaments coming up soon.
Where will Novak play next? (Credits: Gulf News, InsideSport)
Novak usually takes a break after the first Grand Slam of the year before returning to the Dubai Tennis Championship. The Serb might either play the tournament in the Middle East or return to the US for Indian Wells. Novak has not played at Indian Wells or the Miami Open since 2019. He will try to win another title in California this year.
Novak Djokovic is on the hunt for a record 25th major title. Since Sinner denied him at the Australian Open, he will focus his efforts on the remaining Grand Slams. Moreover, an Olympic medal still evades him, and Novak will try to rectify it this year.
