Novak Djokovic understands Andy Murray's stance over baby
Sunday 17 January 2016 09:56, UK
Novak Djokovic believes Andy Murray would be right to fly home for the birth of his first child - even if it leaves the Australian Open without a final.
Djokovic and Murray, seeded one and two respectively, can only meet at the last stage in Melbourne but that remains a distinct possibility given three of the last five finals here have featured the pair.
Murray, however, has reiterated his intention to quit the tournament, regardless of the stage, if his wife Kim goes into labour earlier than the expected due date in mid-February.
That could, in theory, hand Djokovic the awkward honour of a free pass to the title but the Serb understands Murray's stance, having welcomed his own first child Stefan in October 2014.
"Of course I support and I agree with his decision. I would do the same," Djokovic said.
"I just became a father almost 15 months ago. I understand the position that he's in. I was not in the Grand Slam.
"I was still kind of in a dilemma whether my wife would go into labour or not. I was actually in China. It was 2014. I didn't know actually whether it was going to happen or not. I was ready to pack my bags and go.
"Again, it's a very sensitive subject to talk about. It's very individual. You have got to respect the decision of an individual, especially of somebody in his position.
"Of course, he's one of the favourites to win this trophy. He's been playing really well last season.
"But he understands there are some other priorities in life. I'm glad he's thinking that way. I wish his wife and him all the best."
Djokovic is bidding to win his sixth Australian Open title and 11th grand slam overall but first he must negotiate a tricky opener on Monday against Hyeon Chung, a promising 19-year-old from South Korea.
Chung stretched world No 13 Marin Cilic in Brisbane last week before losing 7-5 7-6 (7-3) and gave French Open champion Stan Wawrinka a stern workout at the US Open last year, succumbing in three consecutive tie-breaks.
"He's one of the rising stars of the tennis world," Djokovic said.
"I haven't seen him play too much, honestly. I know that he's a tall fellow. He hits pretty solid from the back of the court. He doesn't have maybe as powerful of a serve as you would expect for his height.
"But I'm going to, of course, do a little bit more analysis and research there and get myself ready.
"We talk about the pre-tournament, pre-season kind of mindset each year, especially having an opponent who is young, who has nothing to lose.
"He wants to show to the world that he deserves to be there. Of course, that makes it even trickier for me.
"I need to try to be going out on the court with the right intensity from the very beginning."
We will bring you all the news, views and reaction from the Australian Open starting on Monday 18th January.
