Premium

Novak Djokovic switches from God mode to dad mode: ‘It’s 1 am! When are you going to sleep’

After clinching the quarter-final, Djokovic was pumped, as were his children, Stefan and Tara, who were sitting in the players' box with the former world no 1's wife Jelena.

Novak Djokovic and Jelena's children Stefan and Tara watch his Australian Open quarter-final. (PHOTO: AP)

Novak Djokovic earned a spot in the semi-final of the Australian Open after a breathless performance against the much younger Carlos Alcaraz at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

Djokovic is chasing a record-making 25th Grand Slam trophy in Australia. Thanks to the 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win, the Serbian has already become the world’s only male player to make it to 50 grand Slam semi-finals.

After clinching the win, Djoko was pumped, as were his children, Stefan and Tara, who were sitting in the players’ box with the former world no 1’s wife Jelena.

The Serbian called the match against Alcaraz “one of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court. On any court.”

As he stood answering questions from Jim Courier at the post-match interaction, Djokovic switched from Tennis God to dad mode in the blink of an eye after spotting Stefan and Tara up in the stands watching the game despite it being 1 am at night in Melbourne.

“I’m surprised my kids are still here,” Djokovic said while he was in the middle of an on-court interview after his win. “Thank you for supporting me. But it’s 1 am! When are you going to sleep tonight! they don’t want me to talk about them!”

At this, both kids smiled at their father as did Jelena while Tara tapped on her watch with her finger pointedly.

WATCH: Novak turns dad after Alcaraz win

You're on the clock, Novak 😅

Tara Djokovic's reaction to her Dad's late-night match is priceless 🕰️#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/QqBKcAWi5h

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025