WATCH: Novak Djokovic's son Stefan adorably imitates Serb's overhead smash as wife Jelena cheers, while daughter Tara enjoys her book in Wimbledon 3R
Novak Djokovic's son Stefan demonstrated an adorable imitation of his father's overhead smash during the Serb's third-round clash at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday (July 6). Djokovic's wife Jelena was also impressed by her husband's shot, as she expressed her delight alongside their son.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion battled it out against Alexei Popyrin for a place in the fourth round of the grasscourt Major. Popyrin put the 37-year-old under pressure during the contest, clinching the opening set 6-4. However, the World No. 2 raised his level to wrest back control of the match, securing the second and third sets.
The duo then engaged in a tense tiebreak in the fourth set, with the Serb delivering a powerful overhead smash to take a crucial 4-2 lead. Novak Djokovic's family was elated with his performance, as his son Stefan imitated his shot and his wife Jelena cheered enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Djokovic's daughter Tara was spotted engrossed in her book earlier in the contest as her father battled it out against the Australian.
The 37-year-old eventually claimed a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Alexei Popyrin to book his place in the fourth round. In his on-court interview, the 24-time Grand Slam champion credited Popyrin as the better player in the opening set but expressed satisfaction with his ability to raise his level in the subsequent sets.
"With that serve and powerful forehand, he is dangerous on any surface. I watched him play the first couple of rounds and knew he was in form and he was going to come out on the court believing he could win," he said.
"That’s how he started, he was the better player for the first set, and then I stepped it up. I think I played a really good second and third, and the fourth really was anybody’s game," he added.
Novak Djokovic to take on Holger Rune in Wimbledon 4R
Novak Djokovic is aiming to match Roger Federer's record of eight titles at SW19 with his campaign at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Following his win over Alexei Popyrin, the Serb will take on 15th seed Holger Rune in a blockbuster clash in the fourth round.
Rune booked his place against the 24-time Grand Slam champion by battling back from two sets down against Quentin Halys to beat the Frenchman 1-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-1.
The Serb enjoys a 3-2 lead in his head-to-head record against Rune, including a 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 victory in their most recent clash at the 2023 ATP Finals. Should the World No. 2 emerge victorious against the Dane, he will face the winner of the match between ninth seed Alex de Minaur and Arthur Fils.