Novak Djokovic’s Return to Training
After being ousted in the semifinals of the 2025 US Open by Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic has returned to the training courts, albeit at a more relaxed pace. This loss, which ended Djokovic’s chase to become the first player in tennis history to secure 25 Grand Slam titles, came in a straight-sets defeat to Alcaraz, the eventual tournament winner. Despite Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner establishing themselves as the dominant forces in men’s tennis over the past year, Djokovic had entered the match with some confidence, having claimed victory in their two previous encounters, one being at the 2025 Australian Open.
Family Time in Greece
Following his exit from the tournament in New York, the 38-year-old tennis icon opted to return home to spend precious time with his family. Interestingly, instead of heading back to Serbia, Djokovic has chosen Greece as his current residence, a change that indicates a potential new chapter in his life.
Father-Son Bonding
In a heartwarming display of father-son bonding, Djokovic took advantage of the tennis facilities in Greece to practice with his son, Stefan. The two engaged in friendly drills on a hard court, showcasing Djokovic’s skills while adjusting his intensity to match his son’s level. A video captures the duo exchanging cross-court forehands, with Djokovic swinging at a lesser pace to ensure Stefan could keep up, despite the ball bouncing higher due to the boy’s shorter stature.
For a captivating moment, Stefan mishit a forehand, leading to a playful retrieval of balls while they set up for more exchanges. Their playful practice culminated in a shot from Djokovic that pushed Stefan to scurry off the screen, emphasizing both the fun and challenge of their session.
Significance of Family Moments
This respite comes at a time when Djokovic is navigating the complexities of frequent travel for tournament commitments while cherishing time with his family—making moments like this even more significant. Earlier this year, Djokovic shared a special interaction with Stefan during a press conference following his victory at the Geneva Open. Recognized as his only title in the current season, that tournament marked Djokovic’s 100th ATP title—a milestone that, while not his most significant triumph, held emotional weight for him as well as a moment of joy shared with his son.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges posed by younger players like Alcaraz and Sinner, Djokovic draws strength from his family’s support, fueling his ambitions on the court even as he embraces this new phase of life.
