Strict family man Djokovic: Why his kids don't get cell phones

At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic, one of the most prominent figures in tennis, made headlines not for his performance on the court but for a lighthearted moment involving a ball girl during the tournament. The incident occurred as Djokovic, who is competing in the prestigious All England Championships, engaged in a brief and playful interaction with a young ball girl. This moment, though seemingly minor, captured media attention and highlighted the human side of the Serbian tennis star, known more often for his intense focus and competitive spirit. The event took place amid preparations for the tournament, which began on Monday. Djokovic, aiming to secure his eighth title at Wimbledon, could potentially close the gap with Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles. However, despite the high stakes of the competition, Djokovic's personal life remained under scrutiny, particularly regarding his strict stance on technology use by his children. His son Stefan, aged 11, and daughter Tara, aged 8, do not have smartphones, a decision he has publicly defended multiple times. Djokovic emphasized the importance of limiting screen time for children before they reach a certain age, believing that exposure to screens can be more harmful than beneficial. He expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of technology and how it affects children's lives. “I constantly think about how we can protect our kids while fulfilling some basic needs,” Djokovic said. “It’s not easy, especially since everything around them is digital. We try to control what we can, at least while they’re still very young.” This perspective aligns with broader discussions about the impact of technology on youth, reflecting Djokovic's role not just as a top athlete but also as a parent navigating modern challenges. His views were shared during an interview at Wimbledon, where he discussed both his professional ambitions and family values. The tournament itself saw several notable developments beyond Djokovic’s presence. Among them was the debut of 18-year-old Austrian player Lilli Tagger, who will compete in her first Wimbledon tournament alongside other athletes such as Anastasia Potapova and Sebastian Ofner. Additionally, the upcoming Tennis Staatsmeisterschaften in Oberpullendorf, scheduled from June 28 to July 5, 2026, will feature live streaming coverage by the Kurier, offering fans a chance to follow Austria’s tennis stars in real-time. Other significant news included updates on American tennis legend Chris Evert, who announced that her ovarian cancer had returned, forcing her to withdraw from Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Czech player Marketa Vondrousova faced controversy after refusing a doping test, leading to a four-year ban from the sport. As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on Djokovic, whose potential victory would mark a historic achievement. Yet, even amidst the pressure of competition, moments like his playful interaction with the ball girl remind spectators that behind the intensity lies a multifaceted personality shaped by both professional ambition and personal convictions. The ongoing narrative surrounding Djokovic’s parenting philosophy continues to resonate, adding depth to his public persona beyond the tennis court.