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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic confirms that tennis is not his top priority

In a television interview in his homeland of Serbia, the world number two in tennis says that now that he has family his priorities have changed.

Update:
El serbio Novak Djokovic lamenta una jugada ante el australiano Nick Kyrgios, durante el partido de cuartos de final del Abierto Mexicano de Tenis.
José MéndezEFE

Having a family seems to have made a big difference to the former world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic who says his priorities have changed.

Family, not tennis, the Djokovic priority

The Serbian star was speaking during a television interview on Serbia RTS following two disappointing defeats this year to Denis Istomin in Australia and then Nick Kyrgios in Acapulco. And family was may have played a big part.

Novak explained that he had lost his ambition for tennis, which led to the break-up of his relationship with former coach Boris Becker.

"Tennis dropped from being my top priority from the moment Stefan was born. The situation has now completely changed: I have a child, a wife, a family and I feel very fortunate to be a father".

Mexican Open: Serbia's Novak Djokovic rests during the match against Australia's Nick Kyrgios.
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Mexican Open: Serbia's Novak Djokovic rests during the match against Australia's Nick Kyrgios.HENRY ROMEROREUTERS

Still targeting number one

His rivals should not start rubbing their hands together with glee, however, as Djokovic did state that although it may be more difficult to manage these days his sporting ambition remains:

"I still play tennis with the same passion and love that I had when I picked up a racquet for the first time. Tennis gives me more strength and gives me great emotions, and still I'll keep playing with reaching the world number one spot an objective. I want to return to this position...but it is not my main priority".