Novak Djokovic recently opened up about his firm decision to not allow his children, Stefan and Tara, to have personal phones, despite frequent disagreements with his wife, Jelena, and complaints from their kids. The 24-time Grand Slam champion explained that his refusal stems from his desire to instill values in his children that go beyond just following the trends, particularly when it comes to technology.
Djokovic’s decision has sparked debates in his household, as Stefan and Tara, like most children their age, often express their frustration. As the tennis legend shared, the kids complain about how all their friends at school have phones, making them feel left out. However, despite the mounting pressure, Djokovic has remained steadfast in his belief that his children do not need mobile phones at this stage in their lives.
After his third-round exit from the US Open, Djokovic joined Team Serbia in Belgrade for their Davis Cup tie against Greece. It was during this time, in an interview with Blic, that Djokovic elaborated on his family’s dynamic regarding technology. The Serbian tennis star, who has always been known for his discipline and strong convictions, made it clear that he and Jelena, though sometimes at odds on this topic, ultimately share a common goal—to raise their children with values that reflect their beliefs, rather than societal norms.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries
In the Blic interview, Djokovic explained the reasoning behind his refusal to give in to his children’s requests for phones. “My children still don’t have a cell phone. My wife and I argue. They complain, ‘At school, everyone has one except us.’ It’s not easy, and this is reflected on other levels as well,” he revealed. This tension between what children want and what parents believe is best is familiar to many families, but Djokovic approaches the situation with a unique philosophy.
Djokovic emphasized that his decision is rooted in the desire to teach Stefan and Tara not to succumb to peer pressure or the herd mentality. “If everyone does something, the herd behaves like this, you have to follow them. Well, it doesn’t have to be like that. This is where I think we differ from others, because we are stubborn and active,” Djokovic added. For him, it’s about setting boundaries and showing his children that they don’t need to do something just because everyone else is doing it. Instead, he wants them to be confident in making decisions that align with their family’s values and priorities.
The Role of Active Parenting
Djokovic’s stance on technology ties into his broader approach to parenting. He has always taken an active role in ensuring that his children lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, something he discussed in detail during an interview with the Tennis Channel during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. The tennis icon revealed that he is more hands-on when it comes to managing his children’s extracurricular activities, sports, and general well-being, compared to his wife Jelena.
“Out of the two parents, I am the one that is responsible for their activities, sports, healthy lifestyle,” Djokovic said, highlighting how much he prioritizes an active, physically engaged upbringing for his kids. “I want them… I have always, sometimes, exactly – she is rolling her eyes right now,” Djokovic quipped, acknowledging how passionate he is about this aspect of parenting.
For Djokovic, encouraging Stefan and Tara to stay active is paramount, regardless of whether they pursue tennis like their father or other sports. “I keep on, in a way, reminding them how important it is to be active. Just do sports. I mean, whether it is tennis or whatever it is, just be active, be out there,” Djokovic emphasized. He also mentioned that he likes to bring his children with him to the tennis court, even on match days, to reinforce the importance of physical activity in their daily routine.
This emphasis on sports and activity mirrors Djokovic’s own life. His discipline, work ethic, and physical fitness have been key components of his success on the tennis court. By instilling these values in his children, Djokovic hopes they will develop a similar appreciation for health and fitness, regardless of the career paths they choose.
Balancing Family and Career
Despite his demanding tennis schedule, Djokovic makes it a priority to spend quality time with his family, whether through shared activities or simply being present during key moments in their lives. After his impressive 6-0, 6-1 victory over Ioannis Xilas in just 45 minutes during the Davis Cup tie against Greece, Djokovic celebrated with his wife Jelena and daughter Tara, who had come to support him in the stands. Tara, who recently celebrated her seventh birthday, and Stefan, who turns 10 in October, are often seen accompanying their father at major tournaments, reinforcing the family’s close bond.
This balance between Djokovic’s career and family life is something he takes seriously. As one of the most successful tennis players in history, Djokovic has always been clear about the importance of his family in keeping him grounded. His children, while growing up with a father who is constantly in the public eye, are raised with a strong sense of privacy and a set of values that emphasize health, hard work, and integrity.
Moving Forward: A Future Without Phones?
As Djokovic continues to navigate the world of parenting alongside his illustrious tennis career, his firm stance on keeping his children away from phones is likely to remain in place, at least for the foreseeable future. While this decision may not be popular with Stefan and Tara right now, it reflects Djokovic’s long-term vision for their upbringing—one that prioritizes real-life interactions, physical activity, and a sense of individuality over technology and social media.
While some may see Djokovic’s approach as “stubborn,” he views it as a way of staying true to his beliefs. In a world where technology plays an increasingly dominant role in daily life, his decision to withhold phones from his children sends a strong message about the importance of moderation and making thoughtful choices.
As Djokovic continues his Davis Cup campaign with Team Serbia, partnering with Hamad Medjedovic in doubles and preparing for his singles match against Aristotelis Thanos, his focus on family remains clear. For now, Stefan and Tara will have to wait a bit longer for their phones, but they will continue to grow up with the values their father holds dear—discipline, health, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond the digital world.
