"I'm sad that he was not present in the stands": Novak Djokovic on father Srdjan being absent from record setting 10th Australian Open win

Novak Djokovic was able to create history by beating Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final which was his 10th win at the event and 22nd grand slam overall.

The Serbian was thrilled with the result and celebrated with his team and family but one noted omission was his father. For the second match in a row, Srdjan Djokovic elected not to be in the stands after his flag controversy caused an uproar among fans on social media. Srdjan Djokovic explained the decision as a measure to prevent fans from actively cheering against his son.

The son was sad that his father wasn't there:

"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."

He added:

"I saw him after the match, of course. Yeah, he was not feeling his best, let's say, even though he was very happy to hug me and of course with everything. I could see that, yeah, he's a bit sad."

And concluded with:

"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."