There are champions who bask in the adoration of their fans, using the support as fuel for their success. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Venus and Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova are among those who have consistently received positive attention. Novak Djokovic, however, has often faced a different reception. Despite his remarkable achievements, the Serbian champion has frequently been treated unfairly by crowds who viewed him as an intruder in the Federer-Nadal rivalry. Nevertheless, Djokovic has carved out his place in tennis history through sheer determination and skill, establishing himself as the greatest of all time.
Currently, Djokovic is working to recover from a meniscus injury sustained at Roland Garros, which required surgery. His participation in the upcoming Wimbledon Championship remains uncertain. The final decision will be revealed with the publication of the main draw.
In an interview with iNews, tennis legend John McEnroe praised Djokovic and discussed the unfair treatment he has endured. McEnroe acknowledged Djokovic’s role as the “villain” among the Big Three, contrasting with the beloved Federer and Nadal.
“Rafa and Roger have a legendary reputation and they deserve it. They were incredible. Novak not only equaled them but surpassed them both in terms of results, which seemed impossible. Both Rafa and Roger are magnificent people. They are loved and respected all over the world. Novak, on the other hand, is treated unfairly, but I think that, in a certain sense, there is always a need for a good guy and a bad guy. Having rivalries like this helps the sport, but it was unfair to him, frankly, because he’s a great man for our sport, both on and off the court,” said McEnroe.
McEnroe also praised Djokovic’s ability to turn negative energy into motivation. “Novak was able to do something that I couldn’t do so brilliantly: apply the maxim ‘in bad weather, good luck.’ When people want to see the challenger or a not-so-well-known face win, he uses that as fuel to keep going. It’s an impressive quality that cannot be underestimated,” he added.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
WWWWLWWLWL Ranked no.2, Novak played his last match on the 3rd of June when he defeated world no.27 Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the 4th round of the French Open (draw).
Presently, during this year the Serbian achieved an overall 18-6 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant performance of this year was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open, Monte Carlo and Geneva.
Djokovic has scheduled to compete next at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.
Novak Djokovic |
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