ATP Tennis Schedule Indian Wells

Indian Wells, U.S.A.

Novak Djokovic, riding the momentum of an eighth Grand Slam title in Melbourne and a runner-up finish in Dubai this year, has his sight set on retaining the BNP Paribas Open.

It will be the second time the World No. 1 has attempted to retain a title as a father, and the whole family is in Indian Wells to support him – his wife, his baby boy, Stefan, and his two furry children, dogs Pierre and Tesla.

“[Stefan is] here actually and both dogs are here, ” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference on Thursday. “It’s amazing to be a father… to become a parent, to share that joy of raising a child with your wife. Of course, the dogs are there. We consider them children… They love Stefan and Stefan loves them back… We work as a big family.”

But have family duties been taking a toll on the Serbian star?

“For me right now, speaking to you guys, it feels like a holiday or a rest, ” he said, with a laugh. Before adding, “Of course, I’m kidding.”

Watch Djokovic's Pre-Tournament Interview

Getting down to business, Djokovic made it clear that, while the 'Big Four' are the top seeds yet again in Indian Wells, a change could be on the horizon.

“Everything happens for a reason, and I think there's a reason these four players have been dominating the tour titles for the last seven, eight years, ” he said. “Especially with Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer], they’ve been so dominant in the tennis, then [Andy] Murray and myself, we joined that group.

“But it can’t stay forever this way. Obviously we expect a new generation of players to come and challenge the best. Last year we had [Stan] Wawrinka and [Marin] Cilic winning their first Grand Slams in their careers. But it’s still early to talk about the change of generations.”