Daniil Medvedev talks about fatherhood days after Novak Djokovic excuses himself from the hubbub of pro tennis

The Russian ace admitted that it is challenging to be a father.

Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago)

Russian tennis ace Daniil Medvedev has talked about the difficulties he faces being a father on the ATP Tour. The World No. 3 has echoed Novak Djokovic‘s thoughts on the same. As the Serbian pulled out of the 2024 Miami Open citing issues with balancing personal and professional life, Medvedev has also talked about the challenges for a player who is also a parent.

The Russian admitted that it is tough for tennis players to manage things as they are traveling all around the world. Medvedev then credited his wife for sacrificing a lot of things to make it possible for him to be around his kids.

It’s not easy with tennis, because if you want to see your daughter a lot, then your wife has to sacrifice a lot. She has to travel with the baby, and many times it’s her taking the plane and not me. Being on a plane with a baby is not easy. I’ve done it a couple of times, she’s done it ten times more than me.

Daniil Medvedev said.

The 28-year-old then talked about the challenge of trying to find a balance. Medvedev says that before he enters into full tennis mode, he has to spend some time with his daughter.

It’s a balance. Sometimes my wife sacrifices some of her time and energy to come to the tournaments with our daughter. Me, I have to practice less somewhere, or maybe during the tournament I just have to find the time. Before I would be in full tennis mode. Now, I have to find the balance to see my daughter also, otherwise it’s not a good life, I would say! I’m trying. I think I’m doing well, but I’m always trying to find this balance.

Daniil Medvedev added.

Daniil Medvedev feeling the effect of being a father!

Daniil Medvedev also talked about how fatherhood has changed him as a person. The Russian ace said that while it has not had a major effect on him, he has matured as a person even if it might not reflect on the court. The 28-year-old admitted that it is a big responsibility to be a father.
Daniil Medvedev with family (Via People)

As a player, I don’t think (fatherhood) has changed me, to be honest. But hopefully it helps me mature, a little bit. Many times I’m still immature on the court, but I feel like I’m improving slowly every year. That’s my goal. In life, hopefully it made me more mature also, more responsible. It’s a big responsibility for sure, to be a father.

Daniil Medvedev said. (H/T: Tennis.com)

Notably, Medvedev recently became a father as he had his first child with his wife Daria. The Medvedevs welcomed daughter Alisa back in October 2022, and have been married since 2018. Medvedev’s wife is constantly seen in the Russian’s box at tournaments.

The Russian ace has only gotten better after becoming a father. Medvedev won two titles in 2022 and backed it with five tour-level titles in 2023. He also made it to the US Open final. The 28-year-old has started the 2024 season on a great note, making two finals (Australian Open and Indian Wells Open) and a semifinal (Dubai Tennis Championships).