Novak Djokovic may be a 24-time Grand Slam champion, but when it comes to being a father, he’s just like any other parent—sometimes, his kids need a little discipline. Moments after securing a hard-fought victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic found himself in an unusual situation: scolding his children right after one of the biggest wins of the tournament.
The Serbian legend had just delivered another masterclass, overcoming the young Spanish star in a thrilling semifinal at Rod Laver Arena. While the world watched him celebrate his triumph, cameras also caught a humorous yet relatable moment when he turned his attention to his kids—who were seemingly getting a bit too rowdy in the players’ box.
Djokovic’s Post-Match ‘Dad Mode’ Kicks In
As Djokovic walked off the court after his victory against Alcaraz, he waved to the roaring Melbourne crowd before looking up at his family in the stands. His children, Stefan (9) and Tara (6), had been cheering him on throughout the match, but apparently, they were also getting a little too excited.
Footage showed Djokovic smiling as he acknowledged his family, but his expression quickly changed as he gestured toward his kids with a classic “calm down” dad look. Fans and commentators were quick to notice, sparking plenty of lighthearted discussion online.
During his post-match interview, Djokovic was asked about the moment. Laughing, he explained:
“I love my kids, but they were jumping around a little too much up there. I just told them, ‘Behave! This is not a playground!’”
The candid moment reminded everyone that, despite his dominance on the court, Djokovic is just like any other father—balancing work, success, and parenting, even in the middle of historic victories.
A High-Stakes Victory Over Alcaraz
Before Djokovic had to put on his “Dad Hat,” he had to get through one of the toughest young opponents in tennis today—Carlos Alcaraz.
The matchup was billed as a clash of generations, with Djokovic, the undisputed king of Melbourne, facing the fearless young Spaniard who had already beaten him in some major battles. Alcaraz, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, was determined to make a statement, but Djokovic once again proved why he remains the ultimate force at the Australian Open.
Match Recap: Djokovic’s Experience Prevails
Djokovic secured the win in four grueling sets, displaying his trademark mental toughness and defensive mastery.
- First Set: Alcaraz started aggressively, looking to take the game to Djokovic. However, the Serbian absorbed the pressure and took the set 7-5 with a crucial break late in the set.
- Second Set: Alcaraz responded with brilliant shot-making, leveling the match with a 6-4 set win.
- Third & Fourth Sets: Djokovic raised his level, cutting down his unforced errors and making Alcaraz work for every point. In a display of pure dominance, he took the next two sets 6-3, 6-2, sealing his place in the final.
With the victory, Djokovic moved one step closer to his 11th Australian Open title, reinforcing his reign as the greatest player in the tournament’s history.
Djokovic the Father: A Look at His Life Beyond Tennis
Djokovic’s interaction with his kids after the match offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life as a father. While fans usually see him as a fierce competitor, off the court, he is a devoted family man who prioritizes his wife, Jelena Djokovic, and their two children.
How Djokovic Balances Tennis and Fatherhood
Managing life as a father while competing at the highest level is no easy task, but Djokovic has often spoken about how his children have changed his perspective.
“Fatherhood is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It gives me balance, perspective, and even more motivation to keep going,” he once said.
Both Stefan and Tara have been seen attending Djokovic’s matches more frequently, and the Serbian has mentioned that his son has already taken an interest in tennis. Stefan has been spotted hitting balls with his dad at practice sessions, and Djokovic has hinted that he wouldn’t be surprised if his son follows in his footsteps.
However, Djokovic has also emphasized that he doesn’t want to pressure his kids into tennis—he wants them to enjoy whatever path they choose.
“I tell Stefan, ‘If you love tennis, play it. If not, find something that makes you happy,’” he shared in a past interview.
Fan Reactions: ‘GOAT on Court, Dad at Home’
The moment of Djokovic telling his kids off quickly went viral, with fans across social media reacting with amusement and admiration.
- “GOAT on the court, but still just a regular dad at the end of the day!” one fan tweeted.
- “Even after beating Alcaraz, his biggest challenge is still being a father!” joked another.
- “Imagine winning a huge semifinal, looking up, and still having to discipline your kids. Dad life never stops!”
Even some of Djokovic’s fellow players weighed in. Former ATP player and commentator Andy Roddick laughed about it on air, saying:
“Novak just played four hours of world-class tennis, and his first priority? Making sure his kids behave. That’s real dad energy right there!”
What’s Next for Djokovic?
With Alcaraz out of the way, Djokovic now turns his focus to the Australian Open final, where he will face either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev in his quest for yet another Grand Slam title.
At 36 years old, Djokovic continues to defy age and remains the most dominant player in the game. His hunger, discipline, and ability to adapt have kept him ahead of the younger generation, proving time and time again why he is one of the greatest athletes in history.
But regardless of whether he lifts another trophy in Melbourne, one thing remains clear: at home, he’s not just Novak Djokovic the champion—he’s Dad, and Dad’s rules still apply.
Final Thoughts
Novak Djokovic’s post-match moment with his kids was a refreshing reminder that, no matter how many Grand Slams you win, parenting is still a full-time job. Even after an exhausting battle against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic had enough energy left to make sure his children weren’t misbehaving in the stands.
It was a lighthearted yet relatable moment that made fans appreciate not just the tennis legend but also the dedicated family man behind the trophies.
With Djokovic heading into yet another Grand Slam final, one thing is certain: whether he wins or loses, he’ll always have his toughest critics waiting for him at home—his kids! 🎾😂
Leave a Reply