“STEFAN WANTED TO DO ANYTHING TO AVOID SCHOOL”: Nole After the Win More Emotional Than Ever About Children and Parenthood! (VIDEO)

Novak Djokovic comfortably defeated Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli 6–3, 6–2 to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.

After the match, he said in his on-court interview:

• “I didn’t know anything about Maestrelli until yesterday. That happens to me more often than ever now, but regardless, the respect is always there. I never underestimate anyone. He has a big serve, lacks experience, but he has the game to climb high on the ATP rankings.”

During the match, Novak also pulled off a behind-the-back shot, which was shown on the screen during the interview.

Novak Djokovic: “When I became a father, one of my greatest wishes was for my kids to grow old enough to understand what their daddy is doing. I’m very happy.” 🥹❤️

“My son wanted to be here. He wants to do anything to avoid school. Understandable.” 😂😭pic.twitter.com/M2REr4JD8d

— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 22, 2026

• “Some variation has to be introduced. I worked a lot on this during preparations, I’m glad it worked. I’m glad I didn’t embarrass myself, it went over the net, but there are many players who do it better than me — that and the between-the-legs shot. The last time I tried a between-the-legs shot, I almost injured myself.”

Djokovic was asked whether he knew if his children, Stefan and Tara, had watched the match:

• “No, no, absolutely not. They’re sleeping now. They have much more important priorities like school and homework. I’ve never had greater support from my wife and children, aside from my parents and brothers. I’ve always wanted my children to grow up enough to see what dad does, and I was honored that they watched me over the past five or six years. Now everything is about them, about their tasks and responsibilities. My son wanted to come — he wants to do anything to avoid school, which is understandable. He loves tennis, but he also loves his dad. The fact that they’re not here this year is a bit different, but they are always in my heart.”

Nole was also asked whether he had visited the Botanical Garden, where he had previously been photographed next to a very old tree:

• “That’s my oldest friend in Melbourne. It was always there to heal my wounds… to keep me company when I didn’t want any other. It’s a beautiful bond. Nature is such a powerful ally that we sometimes forget in the fast pace of life. Melbourne is a great city, but my absolute favorite place is the botanical garden. It’s a Brazilian tree — we’ve had a friendship for more than 20 years,” Djokovic concluded.

MORE TOPICS:

RAINY SERBS FROM NORTH AMERICA: They raised a church from the ashes, and now Americans are converting to Orthodoxy with them! And they still make the best cevapi in the world! (VIDEO)

FOR THE SECOND TIME AFTER 70 YEARS: Orthodox Christians near Zadar swam for the Holy Cross! (VIDEO)

“HE IS STILL ASLEEP, THE BRAIN IS NOT RESPONDING”: New details on the condition of little Niko Antić (12), who was attacked by a shark in Sydney

TRAGEDY IN BELGRADE: Brother of famous footballer Nemanja Vidić found dead!

“EVERYTHING GOES SLOWLY, THE MEDICINE IS ALWAYS THE SAME”: A Serb living in Sweden lashed out at the healthcare system! (VIDEO)

Source: Sportal, Foto: AP