Novak Djokovic was caught by surprise to see both his children still in the stands at 1am after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz to reach the Australian Open semi-finals.
With Djokovic dropping down to seventh in the world rankings, it left him at risk of facing one of the top seeds earlier than he would have usually expected.
After the draw was made, all eyes were on the quarter-finals where Djokovic and Alcaraz were on course to face each other for the eighth time.
Apart from back-to-back Wimbledon finals, Djokovic has managed to get the better of his rival since their first meeting in 2022.
Novak Djokovic was surprised to see his kids still awake
REUTERS
The 37-year-old won their previous encounter in the final of the Paris Olympics and this was the first time they would be facing one another inside the Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz had been in fine form throughout the tournament and got off to the perfect start against the 10-time Australian Open champion by taking the opening set.
Djokovic appeared to be struggling with an injury and he left the court at one stage for a medical timeout.
But the Serbian superstar returned and bounced back immediately to level things up.
A blockbuster third set followed suit with the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena treated to a spectacle with both players competing at the highest level.
It took a stunning forehand winner from Djokovic to seal the third set and he reacted by blowing a kiss to the stands.
Djokovic then held his nerve to take the fourth and book his spot in the semi-finals, where he will meet Alexander Zverev.
Watching on from the stands attentively throughout the match were Djokovic’s two kids, Stefan and Tara, alongside his wife.
Both were caught on camera cheering their father on throughout the match and the 37-year-old was surprised to see them still awake so late into the night.
Novak Djokovic’s children were supporting their dad throughout the match
REUTERS
“I’m surprised that my kids are still here! I love you and thank you for supporting me, but it is 1am,” he said with a smile.
“When are you going to sleep tonight? They don’t want me to speak about them. Fine, let’s get back to tennis!
“Back in 2023, I actually had a similar injury and I carried it basically from the beginning of the tournament.
“I just had to go for my shots more. Honestly, sometimes it helps and I felt it definitely helped in the second and third sets here.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- UFC chief Dana White sparks frenzy after Barack Obama moment during Donald Trump inauguration
- Emma Raducanu’s earnings from Australian Open revealed after suffering emphatic defeat to Iga Swiatek
- Novak Djokovic row takes fresh twist as Channel Nine accused of orchestrating Australian Open controversy
Novak Djokovic is through to his 50th Grand Slam semi-final
REUTERS
“We are so nervous on the court. There is a lot happening and you are going through emotional turmoil, so any point can really shift the momentum to the other side, particularly when you play against a champion like Carlos.
“He brings the energy and competitive spirit to the court, so I have to come out and be at my best. I knew that.
“In that perspective, I think it does help mentally because all of a sudden you just start to play a bit more aggressively and you play through your shots more.
“I guess that’s going to be necessary for me when I face Sascha Zverev in the semi-finals.”