Stephan Djokovic was just a week and change shy of seven months old when the French Open declared its 2016 champion. At that time, his father looked poised to rewrite history, having just won at Roland Garros for an astounding fourth consecutive major championship. In the process of likewise completing a career Grand Slam, Novak was nothing short of dominant; supposed peers appeared utterly overmatched, with even erstwhile superiors Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal having failed to claim a title in the sport’s grandest stages over the last six and four years, respectively.
Stefan didn’t care for it then, but the thought of him seeing his father headline men’s tennis at a time when it was said to be at its finest and most competitive ever certainly crossed the minds of myriad quarters. Indeed, Novak’s play was decidedly otherworldly; founded on an unparalleled combination of patience and resolve to construct points not unlike the way chess grandmasters move pieces on the board for an ultimately favorable position, it called for waiting, then setting up, then pouncing, then rinsing and repeating to success.
The other day, though, Stefan most definitely cared to see his father regain the throne. Two years removed from the piece of historic greatness at Roland Garros and two years away from actually being allowed to enjoy a match in its entirety at the All England Club, he understood, at least, the joys of winning. He pointed with pride to the newly minted Wimbledon champion while snuggled on his mother Jelena’s lap and exclaimed, “Daddy! Daddy!” At that moment, he became an Internet sensation; more importantly, he once again became the son of the best player in the world.
No doubt, Stefan’s father saw the last fortnight as a significant breakthrough. Prior to the start of the 2018 season, Novak could legitimately be described as lost, having struggled with personal and professional issues since snagging that 12th major title at Roland Garros. After convalescence from surgery, however, came a steady rise in form and ranking, culminating in triumph. And because he’s already three, he will, no doubt, remember his first brush with greatness. He’s destined for more moments of wonderment, but nothing will compare to the other day’s, when the senior member of his home saw his elation that instantly made all the hard work worthwhile.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
