In the week prior to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, Novak Djokovic spent time practicing at his childhood tennis club “Partizan” in Belgrade. Holding an intimate press conference with select local journalists, the Serbian No. 1 happily spoke about the anticipation of his growing young family.

“I couldn't have gotten better news than to find out that Jelena was pregnant a few months ago,” said a gushing Djokovic about his fiance. “When I got the news, I was overjoyed. I was happy to be able to share the moment with my brother who was traveling with me, and with some family, and we celebrated. Of course, we didn't want to reveal the news until after the third month passed. Now, everything is well and [Jelena's] pregnancy is great.”

With the arrival of the couple's first child expected in “late October,” the 26-year-old is looking forward to fatherhood.

“It's a new outlook on life. I think I'm not fully aware of what is happening, neither is Jelena,” said Djokovic about the pregnancy. “But as Jelena's stomache grows, we will be even happier. Of course, priorities in life will change. Love and happiness to the baby will be the first priority. Nothing is changing in terms of tennis, except that I will always choose to be closer to the family for whatever is needed.”

Taking a cue from a fellow top tennis player, Djokovic is glad there are strong examples of successful father figures in the sport.

“[Roger] Federer had another set of twins, he skipped a tournament. He shows the value, as an elite athlete, that you can have a family. I'm glad he did that, showing he is a family man, and I have the same philosophy. I will always play tennis for the love of it, but a few things will change.”

And what about the sex of Baby Djokovic?

“We are still not sure, it's fairly early to know. But we probably won't reveal that until the very end,” said Djokovic.

Wedding bells are also still on the (very) near horizon, but Djokovic joked about not being able to reveal the date.

“The wedding will be this year. But I'm not allowed to reavel the date because I'll have problems,” he smiled. “The invitations also still need to be done. But I'm not the main organizer of the wedding!”

So, will Baby Djokovic be born with the Roland Garros trophy in its hands, the last Slam the Serbian has yet to claim?

“That depends on the dad,” laughed Djokovic.