In a recent interview on Serbian television, Novak Djokovic, the legendary tennis player and proud father, shed light on his parenting style and his unique approach to raising his children. The 37-year-old, who boasts an impressive 24 Grand Slam titles, opened up about his views on education and the challenges of parenting in the digital age.
Djokovic, known for his fierce competitiveness on the court, revealed that when it comes to his kids – son Stefan, 10, and daughter Tara, 7 – he takes a more traditional approach. “I’m an old-school parent,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of education and the value of classic practices like listening to classical music and reading books. Reflecting on his upbringing under the guidance of his childhood coach, Jelena Gencic, Djokovic expressed his belief in cultivating a well-rounded education for his children.
“It’s important to listen to classical music, to read books,” Djokovic remarked. “Today’s generation faces many more challenges with the rise of social media and smartphones. My children still don’t have phones, and my wife and I are struggling with that decision.”
Despite facing some pushback from his own kids, who lament that they are the only ones in their school without phones, Djokovic remains steadfast in his beliefs. “They complain that everyone at their school has a phone except them. It’s not easy, but we believe we are doing the right thing,” he explained. The Olympic gold medalist admitted that he may come across as strict, but he is determined to instill in his children the values he holds dear.
While Djokovic acknowledges the challenges of going against the grain, he is resolute in his conviction that his approach will ultimately benefit his children. “If everyone is doing something, the herd mentality takes over. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We may differ from others, but we are stubborn in both positive and negative ways,” he mused.
As he navigates the complexities of parenting in the digital age, Djokovic’s commitment to his children’s well-being shines through. Through his unwavering dedication to nurturing their creativity and fostering their talents, he sets an example not only as a tennis icon but also as a devoted father determined to give his kids the best possible start in life.