In a dramatic turn of events at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic's parents made the extraordinary decision to boycott their son's championship match against Jannik Sinner. The tennis legend's father, Srdjan Djokovic, and mother, Dijana, chose to remain absent from Rod Laver Arena during Sunday's final, sending shockwaves through the tennis community.
The stunning boycott comes after what family sources describe as mounting frustrations with tournament organisers and perceived disrespect shown toward the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Despite their prominent presence throughout the tournament, Djokovic's parents were notably missing from the player's box during the most crucial match of the competition.
Family Stands in Solidarity
Both Srdjan and Dijana Djokovic stood united in their protest, with insiders revealing they felt their son had been treated unfairly throughout the Melbourne tournament. The decision reflects growing tension between the Djokovic camp and Australian Open officials, highlighting unresolved issues from previous years.
"They believed Novak wasn't receiving the respect he deserves as one of the greatest tennis players in history," a source close to the family revealed. "This was their way of making a statement."
Controversial History in Melbourne
The Djokovic family's relationship with Australian Open organisers has been strained since the dramatic events of 2022, when Novak was deported from the country over COVID-19 vaccination status. While the tennis star returned triumphantly in 2023 to claim his 10th Australian Open title, underlying tensions appear to have persisted.
During this year's tournament, additional friction emerged when Srdjan Djokovic was reportedly displeased with seating arrangements for family members, further contributing to the decision to boycott the final.
Support From the Stands
Despite the absence of his parents, Djokovic wasn't without support in the player's box. His wife Jelena, daughter Tara, and son Stefan were all present to cheer him on during the intense four-set battle against Italian sensation Jannik Sinner.
The family protest raises questions about the tournament's relationship with one of its most successful champions, who has now won an unprecedented 10 Australian Open titles throughout his legendary career.
This dramatic development adds another layer to Djokovic's complex legacy in Melbourne, where he has experienced both his greatest triumphs and most public controversies. The absence of his parents from such a significant match signals that previous wounds may not have fully healed, despite his return to competitive success in Australia.
