Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, has always been open about the sacrifices he has made throughout his career, but one of the most poignant and emotional aspects of his journey involves the time he spends away from his family. As he continues to win major titles, including his multiple Australian Open victories, Djokovic has revealed the deep pain and personal cost of being away from his wife, Jelena, and their two young children, Stefan and Tara. While his success on the court is celebrated by fans worldwide, behind the scenes, Djokovic grapples with the emotional toll of missing out on family life during crucial tournaments.

The Australian Open, one of the sport’s premier Grand Slam tournaments, holds a special place in Djokovic’s career. Over the years, he has established an unparalleled legacy at Melbourne Park, but this success comes with a cost. Djokovic has repeatedly stated that being away from his family during such tournaments is incredibly difficult. His wife and children, who often accompany him to other events, are frequently absent during the Australian Open, a fact that has weighed heavily on the Serbian star. In 2024, when questioned about the absence of his family, Jelena Djokovic confirmed on social media that she would not be attending the event, leaving Djokovic to contend with the emotional hardship of competing alone in one of the most grueling tournaments of his career.

This isolation was particularly evident during the 2023 Australian Open, when Djokovic expressed his sadness over the absence of his father, Srdjan Djokovic, in the stands for the final. Despite the intense pressures of the match, Djokovic admitted that it “hurt” not to have his father there to support him, underscoring the deep emotional bonds he shares with his family. Family has always been a cornerstone of Djokovic’s life, and the absence of these key figures during such monumental moments only adds to the emotional strain of competition. These candid admissions show that while Djokovic’s on-court focus is razor-sharp, his off-court experiences are laden with personal challenges.

Moreover, the impact of family separation is felt most acutely by Djokovic when it comes to his children. As a father, Djokovic deeply cherishes the time spent with Stefan and Tara, but his commitment to professional tennis often pulls him away from them. Djokovic has openly discussed the heartache he feels when he must leave his children behind, especially considering how quickly they are growing. This personal sacrifice is not lost on him, and he frequently reflects on the balance between his career and family life. The joy of winning prestigious tournaments like the Australian Open is always bittersweet when it means missing out on precious family moments.

During the 2025 Australian Open, the issue of family privacy became a focal point when Djokovic’s team covered a camera aimed at his player box during a match. The camera had been positioned to capture the faces of his family members, who were sitting in the front row, and the decision to block the camera’s view sparked a brief controversy. The move was made to protect his children’s privacy, but it highlighted the delicate balance Djokovic strives to maintain between public life and his desire to keep his family out of the limelight. Djokovic’s devotion to shielding his children from excessive attention speaks to the love and protection he feels for his family, but it also sheds light on the challenges of raising a family in the public eye.

For Djokovic, the pain of being away from his family is compounded by the constant juggling act of balancing his role as a global sports icon with his responsibilities as a husband and father. His emotional honesty about these struggles makes him relatable to many fans who see the human side of a player who has often been portrayed as a fierce competitor. Djokovic’s transparency about the sacrifices he makes reveals a more vulnerable side of his personality, offering a glimpse into the inner life of one of tennis’s greatest champions.

At the same time, Djokovic’s commitment to winning despite these personal struggles speaks volumes about his mental toughness and determination. His ability to stay focused on the court while managing the emotional burden of being away from his family is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his sport. Winning the Australian Open, then, is not just about adding another trophy to his collection; it’s about conquering not only his opponents but also the emotional challenges that come with being a professional athlete.

In the end, Djokovic’s career serves as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence comes at a price. While fans may cheer for his victories, few are aware of the personal sacrifices that Djokovic makes to achieve his goals. His openness about the pain of being away from his family provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of professional tennis. Djokovic’s ability to succeed on the world’s biggest stages, despite the emotional toll of family separation, further solidifies his legacy as not only one of the greatest tennis players but also one of the most mentally resilient athletes in the history of the sport.