Novak Djokovic is serious about spending time with his family after spending more than two decades dismantling lucrative records. Determined to bring laurels to his nation, the Serbian, this year, added the only missing silverware from his resume – the elusive Olympic gold. However, a loving father – that he is – can hardly stay away from his family when he’s on the road. Having expressed falling short of devoting family time due to touring commitments, his latest move might’ve acknowledged those remarks.

After finishing runner-up in Shanghai to Italian Jannik Sinner and jetting off to Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam exhibition event – where he landed third – the Serb’s much-awaited attendance at the Paris Masters was on the charts. However, in a surprising turn of events, the ‘Sport Club’ unofficially learned that Nole withdrew from the Bercy event. Chances are, he made this move to spend time with his wife and two children, Tara and Stefan. A classy move, indeed, considering what his candid admission read merely weeks ago.

Before flying to Buenos Aires for Juan Martin del Potro‘s final dance at an exhibition showdown, the Serb chatted with ‘LA NACION’ for an exclusive feature and iterated his version of being a ‘around-the-clock’ father to his children in the literal sense. “It is important they see me as a father in the real sense of the word, as a father who is at home, with them, who follows the routine, the time to go to bed, to get up, take them to school, talk to them about life, play with them. That’s the person I want to be for them, not the father “Novak Djokovic” who is outside”. For those unaware, Djokovic has often credited his loved ones for always holding out faith in him.

However, a dearest one of those believes that it’s time for the Serb to draw the curtain on his illustrious career, having achieved enough, years ago.

Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan Djokovic drew 2024 as his retirement year

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic hasn’t skipped clinching any available triumphs or breaking records in sight. On the verge of bagging a 100th ATP title, it is safe to say that the former World No. 1 wasn’t much less of a deal 7 or 8 years ago either. His father Srdjan Djokovic certainly believes so, as he expressed his willingness for his son to retire and reap the much-awaited off-court life with his family.

With his son having brought laurels to his nation and family name, Djokovic’s father is already more than content with the Serb’s laudable resume and recorded his response saying: “My wish as a father – I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job. It’s physically and mentally challenging and very demanding. As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven-eight years ago. The rest is this amazing bonus. Tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life, I expect him to be recognized for the things he will do after his career ends as well, after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope will happen next year.”

As for Nole’s next adventure, fans might have to wait a bit longer. Though it’s expected he can return at the ATP Finals vying for his eighth crown in Turin, one shouldn’t be surprised if he skips the concluding event of the season and resumes in action starting 2025 at the Australian Open.