Novak Djokovic, who is competing at the Brisbane International, said his family traveled with him to Australia for the first time.

Novak Djokovic started his campaign for 2025 by traveling Down Under where he is playing at the Brisbane International. Djokovic’s wife Jelena Djokovic and two kids, Stefan and Tara, are also in Brisbane, their first trip to Australia.

After beating Gael Monfils for the 20th consecutive time, Djokovic modified his violin celebration by adding a saxophone to it to impress his kids who were watching from the stands of Pat Rafter Arena. Djokovic, when asked if spending time with his family on the tour could be a ‘secret weapon’ for the Australian Open, he couldn’t agree more.

Yeah, I was actually a little bit surprised as well, my wife said she wanted to take the kids on the road and come to Australia. I wasn’t expecting that because I know it’s a long trip, school, and everything. Many challenges that you have to face as a parent. I’m doing my own thing here. If I have a match day, I’m spending time getting ready for that match and everything.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Djokovic has often stated how being away from his family for a long time made him feel guilty. Now that they are with him in Brisbane, it’s helping him to spend quality time off the court with them and to focus better on matches.

She’s here supporting me, trying to give me that love and energy, along with kids, that I need to play my best tennis. So far it’s working very well. I’m feeling great on the court. I’m playing great. It allows me to, first of all, not feel the guilt that I’m so far away for such a long time.

Novak Djokovic added

Novak Djokovic reveals real reason behind carrying a Pikachu backpack

When Novak Djokovic landed in Brisbane for the first time, he was carrying a backpack with the Pokemon character Pikachu. Because Pikachu is the 25th Pokemon on Pokedex, Djokovic was asked whether carrying the Pikachu bag meant anything.

Novak Djokovic (via X)

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who will be chasing his 25th Major at the Australian Open said his son is the main reason behind the Pikachu backpack.

All I can say is my kids, particularly my son, loves Pikachu. Subtle subliminal messages. It’s his bag. It’s his bag. But I was carrying it on my bag going out from the airport.

Novak Djokovic said at a press conference in Brisbane

At the Australian Open last year, he reached the semifinals but eventual winner Jannik Sinner beat him in four sets. Djokovic ended that year without winning a Major for the first time since 2017.