Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is known for his unparalleled determination on the court, but it seems that this same stubbornness extends into his personal life—particularly when it comes to parenting his children. In a recent interview, Jelena Djokovic, his wife and the mother of their two children, Stefan and Tara, revealed that Novak’s strong-willed nature doesn’t always align with her approach to raising their kids.

While Novak’s commitment to excellence is a hallmark of his tennis career, it turns out that his passion for discipline and structure in training sometimes clashes with Jelena’s more gentle and nurturing approach to parenting.

Jelena, who is known for being an active and hands-on mother, opened up about the parenting challenges she and Novak have faced, particularly when it comes to decisions about how to raise their children. Despite Novak’s calm demeanor on the court, Jelena shared that his competitive spirit often carries over into their family life, especially when it comes to teaching their kids about discipline, focus, and structure.

“He’s very stubborn when it comes to certain things, especially with the kids,” Jelena admitted with a laugh during an interview. “We sometimes find ourselves disagreeing, especially when it comes to how much structure and routine we should impose on them.”

This dynamic has led to a few heated discussions in the Djokovic household, with Jelena often taking the role of the peacemaker, encouraging more freedom and flexibility in how they approach parenting.

For Novak, his success on the tennis court is built on hard work, consistency, and a disciplined lifestyle. He believes that instilling these same values in his children from a young age will help them build a strong foundation for their future. Novak is often seen advocating for a life of balance, but also commitment to goals and the importance of routine. His philosophy, rooted in his own upbringing and tennis journey, has led him to take a more structured approach when it comes to raising their children.

“I want my kids to understand the importance of hard work and focus, especially when they grow older,” Novak shared in a recent interview. “It’s important for them to understand that to achieve something in life, you need discipline and commitment. I don’t think it’s too early to start teaching them these values.”

But while Novak’s intentions are noble, Jelena’s approach has a more relaxed and balanced tone, believing that kids should also be allowed to have fun and enjoy their childhood without feeling the weight of rigid expectations.

Jelena, who is known for her involvement in charity work and as a passionate advocate for mental health, believes in creating a nurturing and loving environment for their children. She values the importance of emotional support, ensuring that their kids feel safe, happy, and understood. For Jelena, this balance between nurturing their creativity and giving them the freedom to explore is just as important as any structured routine.

“I believe that kids need to have their own space to explore and discover who they are. While routine is important, it’s just as important for them to feel free and confident in expressing themselves,” Jelena explained.

Despite their differing parenting styles, Jelena respects Novak’s dedication to their children’s growth, and Novak understands Jelena’s desire to give their children room to be themselves. They’ve learned to navigate these differences by finding common ground, often compromising on issues related to discipline and structure.

While they may not always see eye to eye on everything, Novak and Jelena are both deeply committed to their children’s well-being and success. They have found a way to combine their different approaches, creating a healthy balance of discipline and freedom for Stefan and Tara.

“It’s all about balance. We both want what’s best for our kids, and while we may have different ways of going about it, we respect each other’s views,” Novak stated. “Ultimately, we want to raise them with love, care, and the right values.”

It’s clear that Novak and Jelena’s partnership, both on and off the court, is built on mutual respect, even if their parenting styles sometimes lead to playful disagreements. Their ability to blend Novak’s disciplined mindset with Jelena’s nurturing approach is a testament to their strong relationship and shared commitment to raising happy and healthy children.

While Novak Djokovic may be one of the most determined athletes in history, it’s his relationship with Jelena that shows just how important balance is in every aspect of life, including parenting. Their willingness to embrace both structure and freedom in raising their children is a beautiful example of how two people with different perspectives can come together to create a loving, supportive environment.

At the end of the day, it’s clear that Novak and Jelena’s love for their children is what drives their parenting, no matter the differences in their approaches. And as the Williams sisters and other tennis legends have shown, a child’s future success doesn’t just depend on routine and discipline—it’s also about the love and support they receive from their family.