Djokovic’s father Srdjan Djokovic on why Novak is not as loved as Nadal and Federer

Srdjan Djokovic gives yet another creative opinion about the popularity over his son Novak

Djokovic Father Srdjan Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players in history and a fantastic character with a kind heart. However, for strange reasons, he has never been as popular as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, is well-known for some controversial, often quirky, opinions. During a recent interview on K1 Television, he said that Novak is probably not as loved because tennis was created “by the Englishmen for their high class.”

“Novak isn’t giving any reasons not to be loved. Why is that happening? I don’t know probably because it’s a bourgeoisie sport, because it was created by the Englishmen for their high class.

Then some Serb shows up from a small, poor country, and he has been the best in their sport for the past 15 years, now it’s our sport too. They have to accept that the center of the tennis world has shifted to Eastern Europe, to the East of the world. They will have to accept that, whether they like it or not,” said Srdjan.

Novak Djokovic in 2022

Novak Djokovic

25 - 11win/loss

Hard
13-6
Clay
10-5
Grass
2-0
38 year old
LWWLWWWWWW
2025 Highlights

Currently ranked no.8, the Serbian played his last encounter on the 6th of November when he capitulated to world no.10 Holger Rune 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Paris (draw).

Currently, during this year Djokovic has achieved an overall 37-7 record. Novak conquered 4 titles in 2022 in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv and Astana. Novak reached the final in Belgrade and in Paris.

Djokovic
Paris
Djokovic's Record
 

Rafael Nadal in 2022

Rafael Nadal

12 - 8win/loss

Hard
2-1
I Hard
0-1
Clay
10-6
39 year old
LLWLWWWWLL
2024 Highlights

Ranked world no.2, Rafael played his last match on the 2nd of November when he was overcome by world no.29 Tommy Paul 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).

At present, during this year Rafael has managed to achieve a 38-6 win-loss record. Rafael conquered 4 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and French Open. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Indian Wells.

Nadal
Paris
Nadal's Record

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal squared off 59 times. Their current record is 30-29 for Djokovic. The last time they played, Rafael Nadal won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) in the quarter in Paris (French Open) on the 31st of May 2022.

In the video below you can watch the highlights.