Novak Djokovic: 'My son was jumping around every time Rafael Nadal won a point'
- Planet Sport writer
- 17 February 2022
Djokovic admits Australian Open final was 'tough to watch' after deportation.
Novak Djokovic says his son was supporting Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final and "jumping around" every time the Spaniard won a point.
Djokovic was denied the chance to compete for what would have been a record 21st major title when he was deported just hours before the start of the tournament.
Instead it was Rafael Nadal who won the first Grand Slam of the season, beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
That result meant Djokovic's world number one spot was safe for a little longer but it also saw Nadal beat Djokovic to 21 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic has now revealed that he did watch the final, but there were split loyalties in his home with son Stefan a huge Nadal fan.
"I found it (the final) so difficult to watch," Djokovic admitted to the BBC.
"I was very neutral, I didn't cheer for anyone because I wanted to be there so badly. But I was amused by the circumstances.
"My wife was cheering for Medvedev, my son was cheering for Nadal and every point that Rafa would make, Stefan would be jumping around.
"He (Stefan) asked me a few days ago when I was putting him to sleep: 'When is the next tournament that you are going to participate and play where Rafa is going to be also?'
"I said: 'I'm not sure, I hope very soon, why are you asking me that?'"
"(Stefan replied) 'because I would really love to take a photo with Rafa!"
Djokovic is set to make his first appearance of the season at Dubai next week, although will lose his world number one spot to Medvedev should the Russian win in Acapulco.
