"I keep tearing up when I look at them" - Novak Djokovic turns emotional about kids Stefan & Tara's presence at Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to his family after falling short against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships final. The Serb gushed over his wife Jelena and expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his children for their steadfast support, admitting that their presence had moved him deeply.
Djokovic had a lot at stake as he entered the highly anticipated title clash against the defending champion, aiming to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and clinch a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown. The World No. 2 also sought to avenge his narrow loss to Alcaraz in last year's final.
However, Alcaraz immediately put the Serb under pressure, making a stellar start by clinching the first two sets in commanding fashion. Despite making a late resurgence by saving three championship points, Djokovic was unable to mount a comeback as the 21-year-old claimed a commanding 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) victory in two hours and 27 minutes.
Having enjoyed his family's impassioned support throughout his campaign, Novak Djokovic expressed his heartfelt gratitude to them in his on-court interview. The 37-year-old extended his love to his wife Jelena, acknowledging her unwavering support.
The Serb then thanked his son Stefan and daughter Tara for constantly bringing joy to his life, emphasizing that their presence is "incredible." He also admitted that seeing them in his player's box at SW19 moved him to tears every single year.
"To my wife, I love you. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for being here. To my wonderful children, Tara and Stefan, thank you also for bringing a smile to my face every single day. God, I keep on tearing up every single year when I look at them on the closing ceremony. But it's incredible to have them," he said.
"They love Wimbledon" - Novak Djokovic on enjoying his son Stefan and daughter Tara's presence at SW19
In an appearance on the Tennis Channel after reaching the semifinals of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, Novak Djokovic shared that his son Stefan and daughter Tara's presence at SW19 had made his campaign all the more enjoyable.
"No, but it's incredible to have them with me and to see them grow and get them to be part of this journey and have them at the age where they can understand what's going on. My son is nine. My daughter is six, and they were were both actually playing tennis with me today on the court, and it was a joy," he said
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also disclosed that his children "love" being at Wimbledon, especially as they get the opportunity to hone their tennis skills on the practice courts at the grasscourt Major.
"And because there are very rare occasions, maybe just few tournaments a year where I can experience what I have been experiencing here with them," he said.
"And they love Wimbledon because they have the indoor courts, the Orangi practice courts, particularly in the second week they have some free courts for maybe 10 mins, 30 minutes, 60 minutes where they can hit," he added.
Djokovic will now aim to put his heartbreaking loss to Carlos Alcaraz behind him as he gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, commencing on July 26. The Serb will be on the hunt for the elusive gold medal on his return to Roland Garros.