After a weekend of making history on the court, Novak Djokovic is keeping life in perspective.
Moments after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Rolex Paris Masters final, the World No. 1 walked to the back of the court to embrace his children Stefan and Tara, whom the Serb refers to as his “greatest success”.
As wife Jelena and coach Goran Ivanisevic looked on, Djokovic enjoyed a hearty embrace from his children, who had just watched their father win a sixth title in Bercy and a record-breaking 37th ATP Masters 1000 title overall.
“It’s very special. I’m very grateful and blessed to have this opportunity. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I keep on playing,” Djokovic told Tennis Channel. “I always dreamed of having my children in the stands, with them being old enough [to understand]. This is what life is all about, sharing these moments with the dear ones. My children are my greatest success, my greatest treasure.
“I’m just overwhelmed with emotions having them on the court today supporting me. It brings love and joy to my life.”
Just one day earlier, Djokovic clinched a record-breaking seventh year-end No. 1 finish in the FedEx ATP Rankings, made all the more special because Stefan and Tara were there to witness the moment.
“I consider myself a student of the sport, and I really respect and admire all of the past champions that paved the way for me and all the generations that are playing tennis right now,” Djokovic said. “We are enjoying the benefits of this game in every sense because of the past champions that made the tour the way it is today.”
“I’m very grateful for that. Of course, when I surpass one of the past champions, particularly someone that I looked up to when I was a kid like Pete Sampras, it means the world to me. It’s kind of a surreal feeling.”