MELBOURNE—World No. 2 Andy Murray is adamant that he will quit the Australian Open if his wife, Kim Sears, is about to go into labor with their first child during the next two weeks. Novak Djokovic, whose wife Jelena Ristic gave birth to their first child in October 2014, says he completely understands the Scot’s decision.
“First of all, I think it's very difficult to talk about what can happen in two weeks' time,” Djokovic said. “We have to be respectful of all the other 126 [players], plus Andy and me, players that are in the draw here willing to do equally as well as we do.
"Of course I support and I agree with his decision. I would do the same. I just became father almost 15 months ago. I understand the position that he's in. I was not in the Grand Slam, [but] was still kind of in dilemma whether my wife would go into labor 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."
Murray is a four-time runner-up at the Australian Open, losing to Djokovic in 2011, 2013, and 2015. The choice has to be Murray's, said Djokovic.
"Again, it's a very sensitive subject to talk about. It's very individual. You got to respect the decision of an individual, especially of somebody who is in his position.
"Of course, [Murray] is one of the favorites to win this trophy. Australia, he's been playing really well last season. But yet again, he understands that there are some other priorities in life. I'm glad he's thinking that way. I wish his wife and him all the best.”