Novak Djokovic could focus on a very different endeavour when he finally calls time on his tennis career.

Novak Djokovic says he will focus on his job as a father when he retires from tennis (Image: GETTY)

Novak Djokovic has revealed he plans to fully immerse himself in fatherhood when he eventually retires from tennis. The blockbuster star, who will turn 38 later this month, has enjoyed a stellar career at the top of the game but has lost his opening match at four of his last five tournaments.

Djokovic has lifted more Grand Slam trophies than any other man in the history of tennis, with his victory over Daniil Medvedev in the 2023 US Open final handing him a 24th Major title. But he failed to win a Grand Slam last year for the first time since 2017 as his dominance diminished. On Saturday, he was knocked out of the Madrid Open by Matteo Arnaldi and has opted to skip the Italian Open next week.

Djokovic won’t have many years remaining on the ATP Tour and may even be tempted to bring his career to a halt while he is still one of the best players in the world.

And discussing his future plans during an interview with Business Traveler, the veteran explained: “Tennis has consumed most of my life since a very young age. I’ve devoted my mental, physical and emotional energy to it – and boy did I have a reward from it.”

He continued: “Parenthood [gives me the same buzz as tennis]. I really want to be there for my children and I want to make up for the time I was absent. It’s so nice to immerse fully in activities with them and be present. It just fills my heart with joy.”

Djokovic became a father in 2014 when his wife Jelena gave birth to son Stefan. The couple then welcomed daughter Tara into the world in 2017. His family spend the majority of their time at Djokovic’s residence in Marbella, with the player also owning property in cities including Monte Carlo, Miami and New York City.

Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023 (Image: GETTY)

During the interview, Djokovic also highlighted his philosophy on life as he explained: “I love a quote that I heard some years ago – ‘The biggest opponent is always the person you were yesterday.’”

He added: “‘Try to be the better version of yourself’ is a kind of life motto for me.

“Keeping your mind open and curious, surrounding yourself with the right people and not taking anything for granted.”

Djokovic is currently level with Margaret Court at the top of the all-time Grand Slam title-winning standings, with the Australian also winning 24 Majors between 1960 and 1973.

The Serbian will have the opportunity to move ahead of Court at the French Open, however, with the tournament due to get underway later this month.

But Djokovic is only the third favourite to win the tournament behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. And he will need to rediscover his best form if he is to topple the duo after previously winning the title in Paris on three occasions.