'Separates you from your family and loved ones,' Novak Djokovic admits the harsh reality of how giving it all for your favorite sport can lead to crucial family sacrifices

The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who last competed at the 2024 Australian Open, said that his struggles with managing his professional and personal life are increasing with every passing day. Djokovic talked about the pain of staying away from his children. 

To be honest, I struggle with it more and more as time goes on. Australia is a long trip, probably the longest we have all year. My son is nine and my daughter is six. Every day, every week, they change. As a person, again, the balance between personal and professional life is the key. Obviously, it's different for everyone. We're all different individuals. Novak Djokovic said. (As per Kurir)

The Serbian said that the travel intensity in tennis is very high, and thus players are posed with the challenge of staying separated from their families. 

This is a very demanding sport with a lot of travel intensity throughout the year. You get to play all over the world, which is nice, which allows us to travel the world and play in front of many different people and nations. At the same time, it separates you from your family and loved ones. Novak Djokovic further stated

Novak Djokovic missed his family at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic often travels with his family to different places across the globe. His wife, Jelena Djokovic, is often seen in the player box at major tournaments. 

However, the Serbian did not have his family cheering for him at the 2024 Australian Open, and it seemed Djokovic missed them. 

The Serbian did not look in his best element throughout the course of the tournament. Although the ten-time Australian Open champion reached the semifinals, he did not look like his usual self. Djokovic had to sweat it out in the very first match. 

Djokovic played two four-setters early in the tournament. He also had to play a total of five tiebreakers during his Australian Open campaign. In the semifinals, Djokovic struggled big time against Jannik Sinner, who eventually beat the Serbian ace 6-1, 6-2, 7-6, 6-3. 

Now that Djokovic is coming back from a vacation and will also be with his family, it is to be seen how the Serbian ace fares at the first Masters of the season.