For a long time, there was no ‘Big Three’ in tennis. There was only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two players used to battle for each point and were consistently the favorites to take the trophy home. But things changed when Novak Djokovic came into the mix. The Serb ruffled feathers everywhere and was subsequently dubbed the ‘bad guy’ of tennis. The Serbian Maestro recently cleared up his thoughts on the matter in an interview with John McEnroe.

At first, Djokovic had to find a comfortable spot between Federer and Nadal. But now, he has left both of them behind in terms of sheer numbers. After winning three Slams this year, he broke the record of both and created a new milestone in men’s tennis. But he will never forget having to find his rhythm in the sport.

Novak Djokovic opens up on being in the Big Three

In 2007, Djokovic astounded the world by reaching the final of the US Open. But he did not change the situation as he lost to Roger Federer, who defended the title for a fifth time. He would then go on to win his first slam in the 2008 Australian Open. After that, he did not win many major tournaments as he struggled with health. Despite the issues, he played in the 2010 US Open final.

But since 2011, he has destroyed all records and became part of the big three of the tournament. Recently, after earning his 24th grand slam, he recalls trying to rise to the level of the other two in the big three. He sat for an interview with McEnroe after his current win and recalled the situation. 

The Serb continued: “To break the rivalry of Nadal and Federer and to kind of put myself in the mix. In a way, for many years, I didn’t feel like there was room for three. So I had to deal with that. But at the end of the day, I accepted that kind of role that I have, maybe as the bad guy of tennis.”

Djokovic’s image as the villain of the sport became all too famous after some of his comments. However, many players on tour and veterans of the sport believe that the treatment is quite unfair.

READ MORE: 55-Year-Old Tennis Legend Takes Fan’s ‘Time-Machine’ Dream to Great Depths as He Makes Bizarre Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz Wish

Victoria Azarenka on Djokovic being painted as the ‘villain’

Victoria Azarenka had an interview earlier this year where she talked about the perception of the Big Three in tennis. For her, Federer was the most talented, Nadal is a fighter, but Djokovic rarely gets the credit he deserves. She also said that the Serbian star was not treated well by the media and was painted as an antagonist many times.

The Belarusian player commented: “Djokovic has been painted villain so many times. There’s the double standard. He needed to do so much more than Roger/Rafa (to maintain a good image).“

Despite the comments from the media, Djokovic has always played to his heart’s content and has countless titles and records to show for it. Even now, the Serbinator is not done and constantly strives to better himself with each passing game.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic Not as Charismatic as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Claims Former French Open Winner