Australian Open: Kids up till 1 am, Djokovic interrupts interview for daddy duty

Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic entertained on the court and off it on Tuesday, putting on a show against third seed Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb interrupted his on-court interview to have a heartwarming chat with his kids, who were at Rod Laver Arena.

In Short

• Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the quarters
• Djokovic's son and daughter cheered for him at Rod Laver Arena
• The Serb had a heartwarming chat with his children during the post-match interview

Novak Djokovic had plenty left in the tank for insights, humour, and wit even after spending 3 hours and 37 minutes in an intense quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz. Back to his best at the Australian Open, Djokovic was thrilled to see his children, son Stefan and daughter Tara, cheering for him at the Rod Laver Arena. Stefan punched the air in delight as Djokovic converted his first match point of the day, knocking out third seed Alcaraz to secure a berth in the semi-finals. | Aus Open: Full Coverage |

Djokovic was at his witty best during his post-match conversation with Jim Courier, as normal service resumed for on-court interviews following an apology from the broadcaster. Midway through the interview, Djokovic interrupted Jim’s question about how he drew on his experience of managing injuries in Grand Slam matches to cheekily remind his children that it was 1 am and question why they hadn’t gone to bed yet.

The heartwarming exchange with his children was met with a rousing reception from the Melbourne crowd, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion demonstrated his ability to switch off after an intense match and keep the mood light.

Australian Open, Djokovic vs Alcaraz: Highlights

“I am surprised that my kids are here. I mean, I love you. Thank you for supporting me, but it’s 1 am. When are you gonna sleep tonight?” Djokovic said on Tuesday after beating Alcaraz in four sets.

Djokovic also took a moment to thank the crowd for staying past midnight to cheer for the two players, who delivered a match that lived up to the pre-match hype.

“It was just one of the most epic matches I have played on this, or any court. So thank you all for staying till 1 am to watch us and support us,” he added.

While his new coach, Andy Murray, provided steady support from the coaching box, Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, and their children cheered him on. Serbian flags filled the Rod Laver Arena as support poured in for Djokovic, just days after his controversial on-court interview boycott.

Djokovic had refused to speak following his fourth-round win, accusing a broadcaster of insulting him and Serbian fans during a live broadcast earlier in the tournament. His decision to boycott interviews prompted the broadcaster to issue a public apology, after which Djokovic resumed giving on-court interviews.

ARRANGEMENT WITH ZVEREV?

As usual, Djokovic charmed the audience, even joking about the prospect of facing his good friend and second seed, Alexander Zverev, in the semi-finals.

“Sascha is playing some of the best tennis he has played. But we have an agreement -- as long as I am playing, he is going to let me win Grand Slam matches,” Djokovic quipped.

“Well, it’s all settled then. Congratulations on your road to the final,” responded Jim, as the crowd erupted in laughter, thoroughly entertained by the on-court action and the lively post-match banter.