![\"Novak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Novak-Djokovic-Australian-Open-6760616.jpg\" "\\"Novak")
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Novak Djokovic’s dad admitted he made some ‘mistakes’, but wouldn’t change a thing (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Novak Djokovic<\/a>\u2019s father, Srdjan, has admitted to making \u201cmistakes\u201d with his son \u2013 but explained that he wouldn\u2019t want to change a thing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion grew up in war-torn Belgrade, but was passionate about tennis, and his family made sacrifices so he could chase his dreams.<\/p>\n Now aged 38, having cemented his status as the tennis GOAT, Djokovic has recounted stories from his childhood, including the moment his dad told him to \u201cman up\u201d<\/a>. And Srdjan has now opened up about his approach with Djokovic, suggesting he believed in his son more than Djokovic did.<\/p>\n In a new video shared by the Novak Djokovic<\/a> Foundation, Srdjan explained: \u201cI made mistakes along the way, for sure. Several times during his development, both as a person and as an athlete. But I wouldn’t change anything. I would do everything the same.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause without that hardness of mine, without that persistence of mine, without that faith of mine that it will succeed \u2013 of course, supported by the opinion of numerous experts from all over the world \u2013 nothing would have happened. No one believed as I believed, not even him. He didn’t believe either.\u201d<\/p>\n The caption of the video read: \u201cMistakes are inevitable, but perseverance and faith in a child shapes his path to success. Srdjan Djokovic\u2019s persistence and firmness contributed to Novak becoming what it is today. Their story shows how parental support, consistency, and faith can shape the path of a young athlete, while developing a child’s full potential through challenges and hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n While Djokovic\u2019s father always believed he would become one of the sport\u2019s great champions, he now hopes the world No. 3 will hang up his racket. Almost three years ago, Srdjan shared his wish to see the Serbian superstar retire<\/a> and focus on other things in life, after giving everything to achieve his dreams.<\/p>\n Novak Djokovic’s father has already shared his wishes to see his son retire (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n Speaking in the Novak Djokovic Untold Stories documentary in 2023, he said: \u201cAs far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven, eight years ago. The rest is this amazing bonus. Tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life. I expect him to be recognised for the things he will do after his career ends as well, after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope it will happen next year. And for Novak to slowly but surely\u2026 it\u2019s not the end, but in a year and a half, let\u2019s say.<\/p>\n \u201cMy wish as a father \u2013 I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job. It\u2019s physically and mentally challenging and very demanding \u2013 with him being fully dedicated for 30 years, and not taking his foot off the gas, there is not much time for other things in life.\u201d<\/p>\n However, Djokovic doesn\u2019t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. The world No. 3 enjoyed a remarkable run at the recent Australian Open<\/a>, beating two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner<\/a> in a gruelling five-set semi-final that ended at 1.30am local time<\/a> to reach his first Grand Slam final in 18 months.<\/p>\n \u201cI always believe I can. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing, and I said this numerous times. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets,\u201d Djokovic said after finishing runner-up<\/a> to Carlos Alcaraz<\/a>.<\/p>\n EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Novak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Novak-Djokovic-family-Hellenic-Championship-6760622.jpg\" "\\"Novak")
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