“We both agreed it would probably be better that he is not there,” Novak Djokovic on his father’s absence in the stands after Russian flag controversy

Novak Djokovic claimed a record 10th Australian Open title to level Rafael Nadal's tally of 22 Majors.

“We both agreed it would probably be better that he is not there,” Novak Djokovic on his father’s absence in the stands after Russian flag controversy

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic re-wrote the history books once again, as he claimed a record 10th Australian Open title on Sunday. The Serbian has an impeccable record at the Rod Laver Arena, and it was a usual day at the office for the new world number one. Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to level Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 Majors.

The 35-year-old claimed his 22nd Grand Slam title without his father, Srdjan Djokovic present in the stands during the final. Novak’s father, Srdjan has been involved in plenty of controversies over the past couple of years. His absence was because of his involvement with Pro-Putin supporters during Novak Djokovic’s semifinal against Tommy Paul.

Srdjan Djokovic was seen posing with a group of Putin supporters, which instantly sparked a huge controversy. It had become one of the talking points in lead up to the final, with fans accusing Novak’s father of being too insensitive. Keeping in mind the hype around the situation, the Djokovic family decided that it was better for Srdjan Djokovic to not attend the Australian Open finals.

YouTube video

“Yes, we talked. 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. 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,” said Djokovic.

“They going to have last word,” Goran Ivanisevic believes Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal can’t be overtaken by the young players

“In the end we have a happy ending,” Novak Djokovic on father’s absence during the Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic insisted that he would have loved to share the unique moment with his father, Srdjan Djokovic watching from the stands. Tournament director, Craig Tiley had already clarified that Srdjan was not banned from the stands, and it was completely his decision to skip the final. However, Novak Djokovic believes that given how the final panned out, it was a happy ending for his family after all.

The 22-time Major champion celebrated the moment with his father, by sharing a warm embrace in the corridor. Novak Djokovic posed for a family picture with the title, before making his way into the conference room. “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. 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. That was the whole conversation,” said Djokovic.

“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 end we have a happy ending,” he added.

Novak Djokovic stated that the Australian Open final victory on Sunday was one of the biggest wins of his career. It was a pretty emotional ride for the Serbian, given how the entire visa situation tarnished his reputation last time around.

In case you missed it: