"No one believed as I believed, not even him": Novak Djokovic’s father on how persistence shaped a 24-time Grand Slam champion

Novak Djokovic’s father has spoken in detail about his role in the development of his son, Novak Djokovic, in a recent video published by the Novak Djokovic Foundation. The remarks revisit the formative years behind a career that has produced 24 Grand Slam singles titles and a record number of weeks at world No. 1.

Djokovic, currently ranked world No. 3, remains one of the defining figures of the modern era. His achievements include multiple titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, alongside sustained dominance across surfaces. The foundation video shifts the focus from trophies to the early structure that preceded them.

The interview centres on decision-making during Novak’s youth, the discipline imposed during his development and the level of conviction required to pursue a professional career from Serbia at a time when resources and infrastructure were limited.

Novak Djokovic’s father acknowledged errors during that period but maintained that the overall direction would remain unchanged. His comments place responsibility and long-term commitment at the centre of Novak Djokovic’s rise to the top of the sport.

Novak Djokovic’s father began by recognising that his approach was not flawless. He referred to moments during Novak’s development, both as a person and as an athlete, where mistakes were made. However, he was clear that those moments did not alter his belief in the path chosen.

“I made mistakes along the way, for sure. Several times during his development, both as a person and as an athlete. But I wouldn't change anything. I would do everything the same.”

Novak Djokovic turned professional in 2003 and captured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2008. From that point, he built a record that includes 24 major singles titles, surpassing previous benchmarks in men’s tennis. His longevity has been marked by repeated success at the highest level across more than a decade.

The strongest section of the interview concerned belief during Novak’s early career. Novak Djokovic’s father described a period when confidence in his son’s potential was limited, including from Novak himself at certain stages. “Because without that hardness of mine, without that persistence of mine, without that faith of mine that it would succeed – of course, supported by the opinion of numerous experts from all over the world – nothing would have happened. No one believed as I believed, not even him. He didn't believe either.”

Djokovic’s subsequent career includes multiple year-end No. 1 finishes and major titles on hard, grass and clay courts. His rivalries and sustained consistency have defined the ATP Tour across several generations of players.

The caption accompanying the foundation video reinforced the central theme behind the interview. “Mistakes are inevitable, but perseverance and faith in a child shapes his path to success. Srdjan Djokovic’s persistence and firmness contributed to Novak becoming what it is today. Their story shows how parental support, consistency, and faith can shape the path of a young athlete, while developing a child's full potential through challenges and hard work.”

Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles and record weeks at world No. 1 remain the measurable outcomes of a career that began under the structure described by his father. Now ranked world No. 3, Novak Djokovic is expected to return to competition at the BNP Paribas Open, where he is entered and has won the title five times. His victories in 2008, 2011 and a three-peat from 2014 to 2016 underline his history at the tournament.