Novak Djokovic: 'I can't control everything my father says, he is passionate'

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic made a winning start at the Monte Carlo Masters, beating the young Italian gun Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 34 minutes.

Novak played well after an early setback, crushing the opponent with incredible defense and controlling his strokes nicely to sail into the third round. Asked about his father Srdjan and his recent negative words about Rafael Nadal and mainly Roger Federer, Novak admitted that he can't control everything his father says. Novak revealed that he disagrees with his father every time but respects him, saying Srdjan is passionate about him and only wants to protect him.

As many times before, Srdjan Djokovic couldn't avoid mentioning Roger Federer in his latest interview on Serbian TV, praising his son Novak and blasting the Western world. Srdjan is not happy with how the Western media have treated his son after everything he has accomplished, saying he deserves more respect.

Srdjan went back to Novak's early years and reminded how Federer was against his son right from the start, fearing that he would become his great rival in the future. Srdjan elaborated his interview by saying that Roger Federer is a grand champion but not a good person.

"I love my dad; he is a great support of mine. I can't control what he says, everyone has a right to speak their mind, but I don't always agree with everything he says. He is passionate and wants to protect me; of course, I stand by him," said Novak Djokovic.