ATP legend Novak Djokovic recently made an emotional admission about not receiving the love and support equivalent to that of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. According to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, the fans also had their expectations on the rest of the big three while he emerged from behind and earned it all.
The admission came after his semifinal defeat against Jannik Sinner at the 2025 French Open.
Novak Djokovic Turns Honest About Not Being Treated the Same as Federer or Nadal
The Big Three debate in tennis might not have an end because of its subjective nature, but Djokovic personally feels there has always been a bias from fans. In an interview with “Failure of Champions”, the Serbian legend mentioned how he had earlier presumed it was his rage that the fans didn’t like.
However, he also admitted to not experiencing a shift in mentality of the audience even after drastically changing his approach on the courts.
“I acted and still felt like an unwanted child. I asked myself why that was. It hurt me. Then I thought the fans would accept me if I acted differently. But that wasn’t the case either,” he said.
He also mentioned how a majority of the fanbase was divided between Nadal and Federer while he stepped from behind and claimed the No. 1 crown. According to him, it didn’t go well with the fans who wanted the two to be at the top.
“I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn’t supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came along and said, ‘I’m going to be number one.’ Many people didn’t like that,” he added.
Currently navigating the competition at age 38, Djokovic recently completed his record 100 ATP tour-level titles by winning at the Geneva Open.
He now looks forward to etching a record 25th major title before marking an end to his glorious professional career.
Daria Saville Feels Novak Djokovic Is Going Through the Same Issue As Serena Williams
After Novak Djokovic’s defeat against Sinner at Roland Garros, WTA star Daria Saville offered her analysis on the situation. According to the World No.129, the Serb is currently facing a similar dilemma that the WTA legend Serena Williams was once exposed to back when she was looking for closure to announce her retirement.
“It’s pretty hard going to every press [conference] and hearing people asking him the same questions. How much longer? How many more?. That’s what people did to Serena [Williams]. The funny thing as a player is I don’t think you know yourself,” she said, during her recent presence at The Tennis Weekly Episode led by the Australian Open.
Currently holding 24 major titles and an Olympic gold medal, Djokovic hasn’t announced any plans of marking an end to his professional career.
However, it still remains to be seen if he manages to achieve the historic record of securing a 25th Grand Slam title.