When I sat down with Viktor Troicki in Indian Wells, he had already lost in the singles competition.  But he and Djoković were still alive in the doubles draw, so we had plenty to discuss, including the upcoming Davis Cup tie with Spain and Serbia’s fresh start under playing captain Nenad Zimonjić.

It was also the first time I’d seen the Serbian #2 since he and model-actress Aleksandra Djordjević wed in his hometown, Belgrade.  So, I was especially curious to hear how Troicki is viewing the new chapter in front of him.

AM: You’re expecting your first child, which will be a new experience for you as both a person and a professional.  How challenging do you think balancing your family life and work is going to be?

VT: Luckily, I found the best woman in the world who understands everything and helps me in everything.  Above all, I think I made the right choice—in terms of both a wife and a mother for my child.  She won’t be doing it all herself, of course, but she understands that I’m often traveling to play tournaments and she’ll be the one spending most of the time with the baby, especially in the beginning.

She’ll have as much support as she needs from both my parents in Belgrade and hers in Paraćin [central Serbia]—and I’ll do my best, whenever I’m with them, to help as much as I can.  I’m truly overjoyed about it.  Being a parent is something that everyone looks forward to: it’s sacred, the biggest thing that can happen to a person.  I can’t wait to become a father.

AM: When is the baby due?

VT: Soon—in a few months.

AM: Do you think you’ll take an extended break?

VT: I doubt it.  It’ll probably be between Roland Garros and Wimbledon and the tournaments on grass suit me.  So, I’ll of course come to see my wife and baby when it all happens, but I won’t be able to stay for long.

AM: Novak, Nenad, & Janko all have kids.  Have you talked to them about family life on tour?  Will yours travel with you?

VT: Not at first, while the baby’s small.  Definitely not for the first six months—there’s no need to torment them like that!  But later, when the baby gets bigger and stronger, of course they’ll come with me.

AM: Do you have a list of names?

VT: Yes, but…

AM: No, I didn’t mean to suggest that you tell me—I’m just asking to see how prepared you are!  In any case, your wife has already traveled with you quite a bit, right?

VT: Yes, all over—even to Asia.  She said she wanted to see everything once, to find out what she likes.  So, now that she knows, she’ll pick and choose among those places.

AM: Is she still working?

VT: Not right now.  Lately, she’s dedicated herself to me and to our life together.  But she plans to return to work when the child grows up a bit and she has more time for herself.

AM: You were an only child.  Did you like that?

VT: Well, I didn’t know any other way.  But I’d like to have more.