Novak Djokovic's son Stefan pens adorable essay explaining why the Serb is his hero

Novak Djokovic's eight-year-old son Stefan was full of praise for his father when he was asked to write an essay on his 'hero' in school. Stefan penned a heartfelt note that even included references to Djokovic's biggest rivals — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

By the end of 2010, Federer and Nadal, with 16 and nine Grand Slam titles respectively, stood out as the two most dominant players on the ATP tour. But Djokovic, who had won only one Major at that point, quickly turned things around in 2011 as he made significant changes to his lifestyle.

Since the beginning of 2011, the Serb has accumulated 21 Grand Slams while Nadal has won 13 and Federer (now retired) four.

Stefan, who will turn nine in October, mentioned all the Big 3 members in his adorable essay and added that his father taught him to be persistent.

"In the old days, when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were still either No.1 or No.2 in the world, my dad by the name of Novak Djokovic came along," Stefan wrote. "And that's how I got my last name. He was born on May 22, 1987. Aaaah, I forgot something. I am Stefan Djokovic, his son. He inspired me to be persistent and to play tennis well."

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, was barred from playing the tournament last year due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. In his absence, Nadal won his second title in Melbourne.

In an interview with the BBC at the time, the 35-year-old Serb revealed how Stefan cheered for Nadal in the final.

"My wife was cheering for [Daniil] Medvedev, my son was cheering for Nadal. For every point that Rafa made, Stefan was jumping around and fist-bumping like Rafa. He said, 'I would really like to take a photo with Rafa'," Djokovic said.

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Novak Djokovic eager to help his son with tennis

Wimbledon 2022

During the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, Stefan and Novak Djokovic were seen practicing together on the courts. The World No. 1 remarked later that his son was "in love" with tennis.

“He's in love with tennis right now. It was fully his own desire to really pursue tennis. So of course I'm going to be there for him. I never force him to be on the tennis court, but if he wants, I try to always make myself ready to be there and play with him," Djokovic said.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn from the 2023 Madrid Open, and is expected to return for the Masters 1000 event in Rome, beginning on May 10.