"It can destroy the relationship" - Serena Williams' ex-coach applauds Novak Djokovic's decision to avoid 'dangerous' task of coaching his son Stefan

Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, agreed with Novak Djokovic when the Serb explained why he wouldn’t want to coach his son, Stefan.

Novak Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, welcomed their first child, Stefan, on October 22, 2014. The little one has been a regular presence at his father's tournaments and has already demonstrated his athletic abilities, which he inherited from the 24-time Grand Slam winner. The son-and-father duo also played some lighthearted tennis at the Wimbledon court in 2022, before Djokovic won his seventh title there.

Continuing to be his father’s biggest cheerleader, Stefan gives him a run for his money on the practice court, but has never received any form of coaching from him. In a recent interview, Djokovic stated that he would never coach his son but would support him fully in helping him achieve his goals.

Serena Williams' ex-coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, echoed the Serb's sentiments and explained why he made the right decision to support his son rather than coach him.

"I think tennis is a great school of life. So for his son to play tennis, it's great to try to become a professional I would advise it but if I was Novak, I would probably say the same if it's what he wants, I will support it 100. I think it's great. The mission of the parents is to support the kids, show them how much you believe in them."

The French coach also pointed out the downsides of a parent becoming their child’s coach, noting how it can hamper their relationship.

When you want to be the coach, most of the time you do that extra step for yourself; you want to be part of it. I think it's very dangerous. Sometimes it works. There are great examples of parents who have succeeded when the parent is the coach .There is no emotional distance. So they are leaving the thing with the same negativity, and it can destroy the relationship. And I think the relationship between parents and children is a million times more important than between the coach and the player. But Novak can use his knowledge of tennis by choosing the right people around his son. That's the best way to go."

Djokovic's daughter has been at the stands oftentimes, but doesn't have an interest in pursuing tennis at the moment.

Novak Djokovic shared a heartfelt moment with his son at the Hellenic Championship

Djokovic and family at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship - Source: Getty

Djokovic won his 101st career title at the Hellenic Championships in Athens, Greece, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the finals. During the trophy ceremony, Stefan joined his father on the court, where his other family members were also present.

The 11-year-old nabbed the trophy from the Serb and, with the latter's help, lifted it above his head and posed for a family picture. The heartfelt moment caught everyone's attention.

Djokovic was slated to compete at the ATP Finals, but he withdrew from the event just hours after his Athens win, citing shoulder issues.