By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic found himself in an unfamiliar role during the Australian Open final: tournament referee.
Watching rival Rafael Nadal fight off Daniil Medvedev to capture a men's record 21st major title, Djokovic was caught in the cheering crossfire between his wife and son.
More: Djokovic to Remain Unvaccinated
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC, Djokovic revealed his son, Stefan, was rooting for Rafa in the final, while his wife, Jelena, was backing Daniil.
"I didn't want to watch the match because I felt I wanted to be on the court," Djokovic told BBC. "It was really hard for me to watch and to participate in the match in anyway, so I was very neutral—I didn't cheer for anyone because I wanted to be there so badly."
That was not the case for his family.
"I was amused by the circumstances I was experiencing," Djokovic told BBC. "My wife was cheering for Medvedev. My son was cheering for Nadal and every point Rafa would make, Stefan would be jumping around fist pumping like Rafa."
Asked if Stefan would support his famous father over Nadal, a laughing Djokovic replied: "Yes, I hope so."
"But [Stefan] asked me a few days ago when I was putting him to sleep: When is the next tournament where you're going to participate and play where Rafa is going to be also?" Djokovic said recalling his conversation with his son. "I said well I'm not sure. I hope very soon.
"I said: 'Why are you asking me?' And he said: 'Because I would really like to make a photo with Rafa.' So we'll arrange that for sure."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve