(Reuters) – Novak Djokovic mentioned his seven-year-old son Stefan had gained his first match on the identical day the Serb lifted his first crown in greater than six months on the Italian Open, describing their success as a “sunshine double”.
Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0 7-6(5) to triumph in Rome on Sunday, making certain an ideal week for the world primary earlier than the French Open beginning on May 22, however the 20-times Grand Slam winner was equally happy for his son.
“The journey began efficiently. My son gained a match immediately. A sunshine double,” Djokovic mentioned, including that his son’s victory on the small membership match would stick in his reminiscence.
“I needed him to get pleasure from it on the court docket… He was on cloud 9 with the household, my dad and mom, my spouse’s dad and mom, everyone supporting him. It’s good.”
Djokovic mentioned he would absolutely assist his son if he determined to pursue a profession in tennis.
“He’s solely seven… He should not really feel any strain or expectations but, although he will as a result of it is a part of his household. He’s going to draw plenty of consideration if he is enjoying tennis, notably in our nation,” Djokovic added.
Turning the main target onto himself, the 34-year-old mentioned he was hitting high gear as he goals to defend his Roland Garros crown and go degree with Rafa Nadal on 21 main titles.
“I’d price myself as one of many favourites. I do not spend a lot time considering who’s going to win it or who might need the very best probability. I all the time take into consideration myself,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I am going there with the best ambitions. I like my possibilities. The means I’ve been feeling on and off the court docket in the previous few weeks, I can go far.”
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, enhancing by Ed Osmond)
