Novak Djokovic Backs Murray's Decision To Leave Australian Open If His Child Is Born

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, 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 said

Djokovic is bidding to win his sixth Australian Open title and 11th grand slam overall but first he must negotiate a tricky opener against Hyeon Chung on Today a promising 19-year-old from South Korea.