Jelena Djokovic made an unexpected appearance during her husband’s post match press conference at the Hellenic Championship, interrupting proceedings briefly in a moment that drew laughter from the room.
Novak Djokovic had been answering questions after defeating Alejandro Tabilo to reach the quarter finals of the new ATP 250 event in Athens when his wife appeared at a side door with their children, Stefan and Tara, in tow.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion paused as journalists noticed the family peering inside. Stefan waved cheerfully and offered a soft “Hi,” prompting Djokovic to smile and ask whether they had perhaps come prepared with a question about his tennis, or even his hair.
Jelena clarified the unexpected arrival with a simple explanation: “We just wanted to say goodbye.”
She then suggested the children could stay briefly. “Maybe just take him for a second, and he’ll be back,” she said to the room.
Djokovic politely refused, replying, “Give me one minute, I’m just finishing. One minute, I’m coming back.”
Jelena and the children exited through the side door and Djokovic resumed answering the question that had been paused, demonstrating a calm familiarity with the unusual moment.
Jelena Djokovic made an unexpected appearance during her husband’s post match press conference at the Hellenic Championship, interrupting proceedings briefly in a moment that drew laughter from the room
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Novak Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other male player in history
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The interaction provided a light diversion in a press conference that later turned to Djokovic’s tournament schedule and his participation in the ATP Finals in Turin.
Earlier in the week, Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, had declared publicly that the Serbian star had confirmed his intention to play at the season ending event.
Djokovic was asked directly about that claim and moved quickly to correct it.
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“I don’t know where he got that information from,” Djokovic said.
“It did not come from me, nor from my team. I will make a decision at the end of the tournament in Athens.”
The response reflected a more cautious approach to scheduling, particularly as Djokovic has been selective with events this season.
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Djokovic is the only player in the Athens draw already qualified for the ATP Finals. He will join Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz, who have also secured their places.
Sinner enters as defending champion, but Djokovic has won the event the last two times he has played it.
Last year was the first time he missed the Finals since 2017, citing injury at the time.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAMeanwhile, Lorenzo Musetti remains in contention for the final available qualification spot.
Musetti must overtake Felix Auger Aliassime in the standings, though the situation would change entirely if Djokovic decides not to participate.
In that scenario, both Musetti and Auger Aliassime would qualify.
Djokovic faces sixth seed Nuno Borges in the quarter-finals in Athens on Thursday.
Sebastian Korda has already advanced to the last eight, while the remaining round of 16 matches featuring Alexandre Muller, Brandon Nakashima, Lorenzo Musetti and Luciano Darderi are set to take place on Wednesday.
The tournament concludes on Saturday, leaving both Djokovic’s progress and his decision on Turin as subjects of considerable interest.