Young son's win completes 'sunshine double' for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic had extra joy following his sixth Italian Open title on Sunday after finding out that his son had won his first ever tournament on the same day.

Beaming with pride, the world No 1 revealed that his 7-year-old boy, Stefan, claimed the honors at a small club competition back home in Serbia just as Djokovic senior saw off Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in Rome.

Djokovic told the crowd at the Foro Italico that he was awaiting news of his son's performance after beating Greek Tsitsipas 6-0, 7-6(5)

"My son actually won the tournament. It's a sunshine double today," Djokovic told reporters.

"We had a chat the last few days about the routines and the things he should do before a match and leading him into this world... The first official tournament or match always stays very fondly in your memory.

"We just spoke and he was on cloud nine with all the family. It was nice.

"He's doing really well so far, he's in love with the sport. He was up late last night and he was showing me forehands and backhands and how he was going to move, playing shadow tennis. I used to do that as a kid."

And he could have completed a hat-trick on Sunday as his favorite soccer team, AC Milan, closed in on its first Italian league title in over a decade.

Djokovic supports Milan thanks to his father, who started following the team when Dejan Savicevic and Zvonimir Boban－both hailing from the Balkan region－played for the club in the 1990s.

Milan eventually beat Atalanta 2-0, but local rival Inter also won, meaning Milan has to win the final round to be assured of the title.

"I am a Milan fan... My manager is a mad Milan supporter so we're together in this little group of fans," added Djokovic in Italian.

"Let's hope we can win the league, like all Milan supporters we're hoping but there are two games to go."

AFP