Novak Djokovic admits probably the most satisfying grand slam title win of his record-setting profession was additionally tinged with disappointment as a result of his father wasn’t within the stands at Rod Laver Arena.
Despite receiving the go-ahead from match chief Craig Tiley to return to his son’s courtside field following final week’s flags furore, Srdjan Djokovic as an alternative watched Sunday evening’s last privately, away from the highlight.
Father and son agreed it was greatest that the now-22-times grand slam champ prevented the media glare after video emerged of Djokovic’s father posing with pro-Russian spectators at Melbourne Park final Wednesday evening.
“I thought the things will calm down in terms of media and everything, but it didn’t. We both agreed it would probably be better that he is not there,” Djokovic mentioned after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) to assert a tenth Australian Open title.
“That hurts me and him a lot because these are very special, unique moments. Who knows if they repeat again. So it was not easy for him.
“I noticed him after the match, after all. Yeah, he was not feeling his greatest, as an example, despite the fact that he was very glad to hug me and naturally with every part.
“I could see that, yeah, he’s a bit sad.”
While disillusioned with the unlucky flip of occasions, Djokovic felt their resolution was for the most effective.
“Look, it is what it is. I think in the end also what he told me is that it’s important that I feel good on the court, I win the match, and he’s here for me,” Djokovic mentioned.
“If it’s going to be better for me as the outcome of the match so that he’s not in the box, then so be it.
“We talked. That was the entire dialog.
“In a way, I’m also sad that he was not there, present, in the stands. But he was throughout the entire tournament, so it’s fine.
“In the tip, we now have a contented ending.”
After being sensationally deported from Australia on the eve of last year’s Open for entering the country without being vaccinated against COVID-19, Djokovic declared his 2023 triumph “most likely the most important victory of my life”.
“I’ve to say that this has been probably the most difficult tournaments I’ve ever performed in my life, contemplating the circumstances not enjoying final yr, coming again this yr,” he mentioned.
“Only the group and the household is aware of what we have been by means of within the final 4 or 5 weeks.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
