Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan publicly expresses disappointment with grandson Stefan for supporting rival

Novak's mother Dijana revealed that grandson Stefan's decision to root for Partizan Belgrade does not sit well with husband Srdjan

Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan publicly expresses disappointment with grandson Stefan for supporting rival

L- Stefan Djokovic (Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports), R- Novak and Srdjan Djokovic (Credits: Tennis TV)

During a recent interview for Sportal’s documentary titled ‘Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories’, Novak Djokovic’s parents spoke of the basketball fever that runs in their community and household. They mentioned that while the whole family supports the domestic team of Crvena Zvezda, grandson Stefan Djokovic prefers supporting rival team Partizan Belgrade. The contrast in loyalties to their favorite basketball teams leads to amusing situations at home, they said.

Novak, himself a Zvezda fan, said that during matches, “It’s interesting to watch him (Stefan), he loves basketball. Serbia is a country of basketball.”

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Novak’s mother Dijana Djokovic said that the young Stefan’s decision to root for Partizan disappoints her husband Srdjan Djokovic. “What does Novak say: ‘I support Partizan whenever they are not playing against Zvezda.’ It’s our (Serbian) team after all. And of course, he will support Partizan when they play against some other teams, Real or Barcelona or whoever.”

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Tennis is still Stefan’s favorite sport says Novak’s mother Dijana Djokovic

Novak and son Stefan Djokovic
Novak and son Stefan Djokovic (Credits: Reuters)

Dijana added that despite his obvious passion for basketball, tennis is still Stefan’s favorite sport. “Stefan loves tennis above all, but now he has come to love Partizan, I don’t know how. Grandpa can never forgive him for that. He loves Partizan. He started cheering for Partizan because he likes the atmosphere. Stefan is a very nice boy, really,” said Dijana.

Back in April 2023 when Novak was competing in the Monte Carlo Masters, Dijana revealed that the Djokovic family, including Stefan, went to watch the Euroleague basketball match between Partizan and Monaco. Partizan went on to win the match in overtime and reach the playoffs, and Stefan was visibly jubilant after cheering his team to a win.

Dijana said of the incident “My son supports Partizan, now we also go to Partizan matches, I hope they will make it to the Top 8. The president of (basketball club) Monaco is sitting next to us, I pinch him a little if he does too much. He told me that this is his worst game because he cannot cheer as much he wants I explained to him that he can, as long as he doesn’t shout ‘ua’ to the other team.“

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