Novak Djokovic Won’t Let His Son Beat Him, He’ll “Kick His A**”
Novak Djokovic, a man who has conquered nearly every peak in the world of tennis, has his eyes on a new, albeit familiar, rival: his 11-year-old son, Stefan. In a world where athletes often wax poetic about passing the torch, Djokovic has a slightly different, and frankly, more hilarious take. If he ever faces his son on a professional court, he’s not just playing to win; he’s playing to dominate.
In a recent, surprisingly candid interview with Piers Morgan, the 24-time Grand Slam champion didn’t mince words. When asked how he’d handle a hypothetical professional match against his son, Djokovic smirked with the competitive fire that has defined his career. “Of course I wouldn’t let him beat me,” he declared. “I would kick his a**.”
And just like that, the “Dad of the Year” mug he probably has somewhere just shattered. Kidding, of course. It’s this exact blend of ruthless competitor and doting father that makes Djokovic such a fascinating figure. He’s not just raising a potential future tennis star; he’s raising a boy he clearly adores, but one he also refuses to go easy on. It’s the kind of tough love that forged his own legendary career.
Djokovic: Father First, Coach… Maybe Later
While the thought of a Djokovic vs. Djokovic showdown is enough to make any tennis fan salivate, Novak is pumping the brakes. He’s adamant that his primary role is “father,” not “coach.” It’s a line he’s determined not to cross, at least for now. He’s introducing Stefan to tennis and other sports, but he’s not running a high-pressure training camp in the living room.
“I think he’s got some good genes in him. He’s good,” Djokovic admitted. “But I want to be his father. I don’t want to be his coach.” He explained that he’s carefully choosing the right moments to immerse his son in the world of sports, ensuring it remains a source of joy rather than pressure. “If this is the journey that he chooses to have,” he continued, “I’m going to be one million percent behind him, supporting him every step of the way.”
This supportive stance is refreshing, especially in a sport known for its intense parent-coach dynamics. But make no mistake, that support doesn’t extend to letting Stefan win. That honor, it seems, must be earned.
Stefan’s Growing Passion for the Game
The apple, it seems, doesn’t fall far from the tree. Stefan‘s love for tennis is already evident. At the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, he wasn’t just tagging along with his famous dad; he was on a mission. Djokovic revealed that his son was independently approaching players for autographs, a move that delighted the tennis legend.
“He’s over the moon. Obviously, he loves tennis,” Djokovic shared, noting that Stefan had approached nearly everyone himself, except for a little nudge from dad towards Jannik Sinner. This isn’t just a kid being dragged to his dad’s workplace; this is a young fan genuinely captivated by the sport and its stars. He’s not just Novak Djokovic’s son; he’s a kid who loves the game.
It’s a wholesome image that stands in stark contrast to the fierce competitor Novak becomes on the court. But perhaps that’s the point. Djokovic knows what it takes to reach the top, and while he’ll provide the support, he also understands that the drive has to come from within. And a little friendly, father-son trash talk? That’s just part of the fun. For now, the world can dream of a future where another Djokovic lifts a Grand Slam trophy—just as long as he doesn’t have to beat his old man to get it.
