Novak Djokovic reveals how his daughter played a big role in his US Open triumph
An emotional Novak Djokovic struggled to hold back the tears as he won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open and the first person he went to hug following his win against Daniil Medvedev was is daughter Tara.
The Serbian star appeared to be in real physical trouble at times during his match against Medvedev, with his fatigue appearing to get the better of him at times in the second set.
Yet the great champion found a way to win again and he revealed after the match that his six-year-old little girl had a big role to play in dragging him over the finishing line.
“We had too many people to fit into the player box and when I saw my daughter sitting in the front row, it was amazing,” he told reporters in his press conference.
“After the last point, it was relief mostly. That’s why I didn’t celebrate as I did in Ronald Garros, or fall to the floor or jump for joy. Out of respect I wanted to go to the net to shake hands and exchange words.
“Then the next thing I wanted to do was hug my daughter because she was there sitting in the front row. I didn’t know she was going to be seated there.
“When I got to the court I see her sitting there and she smiled at me every time. When I needed that innocent child every I got it from here.
“When I was going through difficult moments, especially in the second set, she would give me a smile a fist pump. She was so into it, which was so interesting to see.
“She is only six years old and my son is nine. They are both there, both aware of what is happening.
“When I became a father, one of my wishes was that one day they would be there to see me win a Slam and realise what’s going on, old enough to understand.
“I’m super blessed that was the case twice this year, once in Paris and now here.”
Djokovic also spoke about what his latest triumph meant to his family, as he struggled to hold back the emotions after creating more tennis history by equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of Grand Slam title wins.
“To make history on this court is truly remarkable and special,” he added.
“In every way and every meaning of the word special. I had a dream when I was seven – I wanted to become the best player in the world and win Wimbledon that was the only thing I wanted.
“I started to dream new dreams, I never imagined I would be standing talking about 24 Grand Slams but the last couple of years I’ve felt I have a chance and I have a shot at history and why not grab it.
“This sport has given my family so much. Wars in our countries in the 1990s and being able to do this, sacrificing so much, especially my parents, to support me to play a sport that was very expensive at that time. Not accessible, not affordable, but I fell in love with tennis.
“No one in my family played tennis but incredible resilience and belief from my family. My wife, my kids, my team, this is your trophy as much as it is mine.”
Djokovic has done it again and as he shows no signs of slowing down, there is every reason to believe he could be back for another US Open final in 2024.
“I want to ask Novak what are you still doing here? I mean come on,” said Medvedev, as he wondered what motivated Djokovic to keep winning.
“I don’t know when you are planning to slow down a little bit. I feel like I have a good career, I have 20 titles, but you have 24 grand slams. Wow!”
Djokovic and his kids Stefan and Tara are likely to see Daddy winning a lot more Grand Slam trophies over the next couple of years as this great champion shows no signs of slowing down.
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