There comes a time in everyone’s life when they start to realize what is important to them. For Novak Djokovic, this realization came at a pretty young age. Having first picked up a racket at the age of four, the Serbian star has been committed to the game of tennis since he was just a little boy. His efforts have certainly paid dividends with six major titles already to his name. Djokovic is in the process of leaving a legacy that will be remembered for many years.

Tennis has done so much for the Serb’s life, and he has done his part to give back to the game and others. But, as Rafael Nadal has said on countless occasions, tennis is just a game. In tune with this sentiment, Djokovic has been looking to build a life off the court as well. Last September, he announced that he and longtime girlfriend, Jelena Ristic, were engaged. Seven months later, they announced that they are expecting a baby soon.

While this may seem to be great news only off the court, the arrival of a baby can benefit Djokovic on the court as well, partly by adding perspective. The world No. 2 and those close to him have discussed how much succeeding on the court means to him. Tennis won’t mean less to Djokovic, and his desire to win won’t diminish. At the same time, handling defeat should become easier. Djokovic will continue to win a lot of tennis matches, and there will be days where things don’t work out on court. But knowing he has an even greater responsibility as a husband and a father off the court should allow the losses to sting less.

Being a husband and a dad also should allow the victories to feel even sweeter. Roger Federer, who is the father of twins born in 2009, has talked about how he had always hoped that when he had children that they would be able to see him play. Federer has had this opportunity, and now Djokovic will have the same chance to share his successes on the court with his children.

Federer also has said that he would miss the French Open or any other major event if needed for the birth of his third child, expected this summer. Djokovic may or may not have the same stance on this type of situation, but it once again represents that playing tennis matches isn’t everything.

Another benefit having a child will reap is in terms of scheduling, another area where Djokovic might take a page out of Federer’s book. The Swiss star is renowned for being extremely judicious when selecting what tournaments to play. Earlier in his career, he did so in order to preserve himself for the marquee events. Now, with twin girls and another child on the way, Federer must take into account how his scheduling and travels impact his family.

Venturing from city to city every week with your dad as a five-year-old doesn’t sound like the most appealing prospect, but neither does spending 25 weeks away from one of your parents. In order to avoid these situations, Federer has to adjust his amount of tennis-related commitments.

Djokovic, like Federer, will be forced to craft his schedule in a manner that best takes into consideration his responsibilities as a tennis player and as a father. The Serb has proven himself as a go-getter, and there is no doubt that he will try as hard as possible to allow all the parts of his life to work together.