Novak Djokovic recently responded strongly to a commentator who made mocking remarks about him during his teenage years. He addressed her comments during a panel discussion at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony held in Dubai on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
Djokovic received the Globe Sports Award at the event in Dubai for his extraordinary sporting achievements and global influence. The award was presented to him by soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Novak Djokovic Reacts to Commentators Mocking Him for Being ‘Hungry’ as a Teenager
During the panel, the host played a clip of Djokovic from his teenage years at the US Open, where commentators described him as looking “skinny” and “hungry,” both literally and figuratively.
“He is the youngest kid in the draw, who just turned 18 last week. Tall and he’s skinny and he’s very very hungry, in fact when you look at him it looks like he’s hungry literally and figuratively,” the commentator said.
In response, Djokovic acknowledged the commentator’s remarks, affirming that he still has the hunger, but this time he is “hungry” only to win more matches and titles.
“She was right. She was right. I’m still hungry,” the Serb responded.
Novak Djokovic on being mocked and laughed at by tennis commentators when he was young:
“They’re right. I’m still hungry.” 😂pic.twitter.com/HsI48AxqsW
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) December 29, 2025
In 2025, the former world No. 1 concluded his season with two titles: the Hellenic Championship and the Geneva Open, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti and Hubert Hurkacz in the finals, respectively.
Where Will Novak Djokovic Compete Next?
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to kick off his 2026 tennis season by competing in the Adelaide International, which will take place from Jan. 12 to Jan. 17, 2026. The matches of the tournament will be held on the outdoor hard courts at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide, South Australia.
In addition to the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, players like Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Tommy Paul, Francisco Cerúndolo, Jiří Lehečka, Tallon Griekspoor, Arthur Rinderknech, and João Fonseca are also expected to compete in this ATP 250 hard-court tournament in Adelaide.
The last time Djokovic participated in the Adelaide International was in 2023. He was the top seed and began his campaign by defeating Frenchmen Constant Lestienne (6-3, 6-2) and Quentin Halys (7-6(3), 7-6(5)) in the first and second rounds, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, the former World No. 1 eliminated seventh seed Denis Shapovalov (6-3, 6-4) and secured a place in the final by overcoming third seed Daniil Medvedev (6-3, 6-4) in the semifinals. In the championship match, Djokovic triumphed over Sebastian Korda with a score of 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4, winning the tournament and claiming his 92nd ATP Tour singles title.
