At his 19th consecutive Australian Open appearance, Novak Djokovic is making big strides. He’s already crossed a special milestone, his 100th win at Melbourne Park, defeating Pedro Martinez. The stands are electric with fans, but two familiar faces were missing from the crowd. Djokovic’s kids, Stefan and Tara, who cheered him on last year, were nowhere to be seen this time.

There’s a reason why. After Nole wrapped up his match against Francesco Maestrelli in dazzling style, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, he was asked about it. The fourth seed smiled and revealed that his children were back in Greece, fast asleep and focused on “school, homework, their own activities.” He knows there are no “better or bigger” supporters than them, but this year, he had to draw the line at the Australian Open.

“When I became a father,” Novak Djokovic explained, “One of my greatest wishes was for my kids to grow old enough to understand what’s happening on the court and what their dad is doing. I’ve been blessed to have them watch me in some of the greatest matches of my career over the past five or six years. I couldn’t be happier about that.”

“Right now, it’s all about them: Their chores, obligations, and activities. My son wanted to come, but mostly because he’ll do anything to avoid school, which is understandable. He likes tennis and his dad as well. Not having them here this year is a bit different, but I know they’re always with me in my heart.”

His two kids, Stefan, 11, and Tara, 8, have been a huge part of his career. They’re often seen in the spotlight, cheering him on from the stands. During the 2025 Australian Open, they were there again when Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. The match stretched past midnight, and the kids still stayed awake, catching their father’s eye during the on-court interview.

During the post-match chat, Novak Djokovic pointed toward them with a grin. “Thanks for supporting but it’s 1 am guys… when are you gonna sleep?” he joked. It turned into a funny yet adorable moment.

Tara shrugged and tapped her wrist, playfully reminding her dad that he’d taken too long, while Stefan smiled cheekily beside her. The late finishes and time zone shifts can be tough on the kids. As Djokovic admitted, they do disrupt their school routine and life back home.

Novak often talks about how his children travel with him and how that shapes their young lives. They’ve grown used to the nomadic rhythm of tournaments, the jet lag, the crowds. Still, the sight of them courtside adds warmth to the intense world of tennis.

What’s clear, though, is that Stefan shares his father’s love for the game. His passion stands out. He loves to play and watches players closely whenever he gets the chance. At Wimbledon last year, the 11-year-old collected autographs from as many players as possible. He had even hoped to travel with his father to Australia, though he wasn’t allowed to.

It’s heartwarming to imagine a future Djokovic taking the court one day. But Djokovic has stayed firm about it.

Will Novak Djokovic’s son take tennis as a profession?

Back in November 2025, Djokovic sat down with Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored for a rare chat that wasn’t about trophies or titles. When Morgan pointed out the inevitable comparisons waiting if Stefan ever stepped into the sport, he asked if Djokovic would still be comfortable with that.

“I’m slowly trying to introduce the world of tennis and sports and all of these things to him, and I can’t throw everything at him at once,” Djokovic said.

He knows what that journey looks like, and if his son wants to walk it, Djokovic is fully on board. “I’m picking and choosing the right moments. So if this is the journey that he chooses to have, I’m going to be one million percent behind him, supporting him every step of the way, in whatever shape or form,” he added.

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Fans have been catching glimpses of that father-son bond for years. From hanging around courtside to rallying with his dad, Stefan has grown up with tennis all around him. During the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, he even practiced with Djokovic, a moment that melted fans everywhere.

“My son seems like he’s choosing to play tennis. I feel excited and frightened at the same time. I think he’s got some good genes in him, you know.”

Talking about Stefan’s growing love for the game, Djokovic couldn’t hide his mix of excitement and nerves. But for the legend who’s spent decades living with every pressure tennis can throw. It’s now his turn to watch, and let his son decide if he wants to take that same path.

In the meantime, while we won’t see the kids cheering on the tennis legend, Novak Djokovic is eyeing gold at the Australian Open. Next up in his challenge is Botic van de Zandschulp. Will the Serb overthrow him and continue on his path to reach the 25th Grand Slam title? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!