“I don’t want to have that kind of one-dimensional role anymore”: Novak Djokovic admits family now plays a bigger role in his career decisions
ATPSaturday, 15 August 2026 at 06:30
Novak Djokovic returns to the Cincinnati Open with his attention already turning toward New York, but his latest reflections were about much more than tennis. The Serbian is preparing for his first tournament since Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals before losing to Jannik Sinner, and sees Cincinnati as an important opportunity to rebuild his rhythm before the US Open.
The No. 5 in the ATP Rankings has played only two Masters 1000 events this season alongside the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, compiling a 14-5 record without a title. Cincinnati represents his first competitive appearance since his Wimbledon run.
Djokovic's Cincinnati history gives the tournament added significance. He won the title in 2018 and again in 2020 and 2023, with his most recent triumph coming after an epic three-set final against Alcaraz that he still remembers as one of the most demanding matches of his career.
For Djokovic, however, the biggest change is not necessarily what happens on court. At 39, he says his life can no longer revolve entirely around tennis as it did for most of his career. Family responsibilities, rest and the need to manage his body have become part of the equation, and he admitted that he had underestimated just how much his family had sacrificed to create the conditions for his career.
Djokovic admits he “underestimated” what his family gave up for his career
Djokovic explained that his approach to preparation has changed because his responsibilities away from tennis have changed. He has spent time travelling around Europe to be with family members and increasingly values being present in roles beyond that of a professional athlete.
“I like that because I need to get out of that kind of role as well and be able to… I talk a little bit about that in the documentary, so you'll see a little bit about that as well," the 24-time Grand Slam champino said at press conference in Cincinnati. "I'm trying to balance the roles of a professional tennis player and a father and a husband, son and brother. I'm trying to be the best I can be in all these different roles. It takes time and energy. It's a work in progress.”
Novak Djokovic will play his third Masters 1000 of the season
That balance has also changed the way Djokovic views rest. He said that after tournaments, recovery is no longer simply a pause before the next training block, but an important part of determining how well he can prepare for the next challenge.
“It's something that I kind of underestimated of how big of a support and sacrifice was from all the family members around me. In order for them to allow me to create space for 20 plus years to do my thing.”
The Serbian still maintains a demanding physical routine even when he is officially resting. Tennis remains deeply embedded in his daily life, but he now describes that activity as something he enjoys with the people closest to him rather than simply another component of professional preparation.
“The physical activity, for me, never stops. Even when I'm resting, I'm doing something. It's my lifestyle. It's my choice. It's what I love to do to stay healthy for my longevity, for everything. I play tennis even when I'm resting. I play tennis with my wife, with my son, with my daughter. I play with my brothers. We have fun, just trying to enjoy life.”
Djokovic's Cincinnati Titles
| Year | Final opponent | Score |
| 2018 | Roger Federer | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2020 | Milos Raonic | 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2023 | Carlos Alcaraz | 5-7, 7-6(9-7), 7-6(7-4) |
Cincinnati becomes Djokovic's bridge toward another US Open challenge
That approach will be tested in Cincinnati, where Djokovic is using the tournament as his only planned Masters 1000 stop before the US Open. With the hard-court Grand Slam beginning later this month, he wants competition rather than an elaborate statement about his form.
“As far as my preparation goes for New York, this is great. Being able to participate at least in one tournament, a strong tournament, play one or more matches, hopefully more than one, and get myself going for New York.”
Djokovic also stressed that his return was carefully planned rather than a sudden decision. His team has continued to monitor his physical condition and determine when he should increase the intensity of his training, something that has become increasingly important as he manages the demands of a career that has lasted more than two decades.
“It's planning and scheduling and calendar. It's been like that all my life," the 39-year-old player said. "If there's one thing about tennis players, you learn to plan ahead. I don't maybe plan as far ahead as I've done most of my career. In the last couple of years, it's a little bit less ahead.”
Cincinnati therefore represents a relatively simple objective for Djokovic: compete, find his level and build toward the US Open. His 2026 record shows that he remains capable of reaching the latter stages of the biggest tournaments, but the search for another Grand Slam title remains the central goal. After the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semifinal, New York offers another opportunity to add to his 24 major titles.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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