“We try to work on choreography”: Novak Djokovic reveals daughter Tara behind Wimbledon celebration
ATPMonday, 06 July 2026 at 04:30
Novak Djokovic’s latest Wimbledon win over qualifier Roman Safiullin once again came with a mixture of control and tension, as the seven-time champion was forced to navigate a four-set contest on Centre Court.
The Serbian prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to advance into the quarter-finals, continuing a run of deep performances at the tournament where he has been one of the defining figures of the last decade.
The result extended Djokovic’s extraordinary Wimbledon consistency. Only Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins at the tournament, sits ahead of him in the all-time standings, while Roger Federer’s record of 106 singles victories remains the benchmark for men’s tennis at SW19. Djokovic continues to close in on those historic markers while simultaneously pursuing an eighth Wimbledon title.
However, attention quickly shifted away from the tennis itself after Djokovic’s animated post-match celebration, where he performed a short dance gesture directed toward his player box. The moment drew immediate curiosity given his typically restrained emotional profile on court.
“We try to work on choreography”: Tara behind Djokovic’s celebration
In his press conference, Djokovic clarified that the gesture was not spontaneous but directly linked to a personal interaction with his daughter Tara, who had introduced him to the choreography shortly before the match.
“First of all, it's a relief that the match is done and I won. Then, of course, I made eye contact with my family - my children particularly - that were always very vocal also today. I can hear their voices. They're really giving their best to support daddy.”
Djokovic explained that the celebration was part of a broader attempt to connect with his children during tournaments, using post-match moments as a form of interaction rather than pure expression. The origin of the dance itself, he revealed, came from a recent exchange with his daughter.
“Last night I spoke to my daughter. She showed me couple of dances from this teenage pop groups and whatnot. So we try to work on the choreography. I mean, can't wait to go back home and ask her how I've done. Judging by her expression, it wasn't really super great.”
Djokovic further emphasised the emotional value of having his children present during matches at Wimbledon, describing it as one of the most meaningful aspects of his continued participation at the tournament.
“This is my way of interacting with children after the match, kind of making them happy. These moments I try not to take for granted because they're very rare and special moments. Very blessed to be able to have my children watch me perform at the Centre Court of Wimbledon for many years now. They're aware of what's happening. They follow. It's a blessing for me.”
“I didn’t feel so comfortable from the back of the court”:
Djokovic advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after a four-set win over qualifier Roman Safiullin, prevailing 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Centre Court in a match where he was not at his most clinical. At 39, the Serbian continues to extend his remarkable longevity at the tournament, where only Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins, sits above him in the all-time standings.
Reflecting on the contest, Djokovic acknowledged both the difficulty of the opponent’s start and his own tactical adjustments throughout the match. “Another hard-fought win. Roman started very well. Roman started very well, very aggressively. I didn’t feel so comfortable from the back of the court. I knew it was going to be a challenge staying in the rallies with him. He’s a very solid player… He should be proud of the performance today.”
He further expanded on the strategic nature of the encounter, highlighting his willingness to vary patterns under pressure. “I don’t get to feel inferior from the back of the court with too many players. Today was one of those days where I didn’t want to stay in the rally for too long, so I mixed things up. In some moments, it worked. In some moments, it didn’t. In the end, the accuracy and precision with the first serve was what got me out of trouble.”
Djokovic now moves within three wins of another Wimbledon title, which would see him equal Roger Federer’s record of eight championships at SW19, while also continuing his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title — a milestone he has been chasing since the US Open 2023.
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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- Are you kidding me with this soft "article"??? WTF?? Djerkovic should be DISQUALIFIED just as anyone else at WimPledon would have been for his behavior!! So what you should be writing about is how the stuffed shirts on Wimpledon's executive board and ATP can no longer hide, nor lie about, their FAVORITISM. We now have seen (and heard) that, as in politics and world of CEO's, "who" you are can afford Elitists the luxury of escaping the usual penalties according to their own bona fide rules/reg's. Not totally surprising coming from organizations which perform special rule-breaking stunts as giving the undeserving, unranked Williams' some young upcoming player's Wildcards. Neither Williams earned these WC's... let them enter via Qualifiers like anyone else!!!
mandoist06-07-2026 - Real fans of the sport, that's who.mandoist06-07-2026
- I agree with Reilly, who cares about doubles reallySakkariFan2305-07-2026
- Eala is brilliant for the sport.SakkariFan2305-07-2026
- IVA JOVIC is going to win.SakkariFan2305-07-2026
- IVA JOVIC is going to win.SakkariFan2305-07-2026
- Not sure if Iga will get there again, she's taking too many poor losses.SakkariFan2305-07-2026
- Brilliant article!SakkariFan2305-07-2026
- This is an excellently written article!Rapunzel04-07-2026
- Can we (WTA, Wimbledon, and any other group of idiots) STOP WASTING WILDCARDS FOR AN UNDESERVING RETIREE??? The young, promising, deserving upcoming players earned the privilege -- not these Williams Spotlight Seekers. Pathetic actions all around by WTA & Wimbledon.mandoist04-07-2026
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