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‘People Didn’t Like That, Including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’- Novak Djokovic Recalls His ‘Polarizing’ Past

Published 01/15/2024, 12:56 AM EST

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via Reuters

Creating tennis history at the age of 36, Djokovic defined his stand in the tennis world in a different way. Recently, he opened up about how a lot of people in and out of the tennis world, including his biggest rivals, Federer and Nadal, don’t like him when he, as an outsider, talks about grabbing the world number one position.

As the Australian Open is going on, Djokovic is giving his 100 words to grab a Grand Slam or to be in the world number one position. But recently, he openly reflected on his polarizing status as an outsider in the athletic world and on his expectations of himself.

‘Look at this arrogant idiot’ – Djokovic doesn’t hesitate to open up

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“I never had problems saying that I wanted to be #1. A lot of people didn’t like that, including them [Roger and Rafa]. That’s why I was almost instantly judged and maybe not as liked. I also knew that someone with this kind of mentality was polarizing. Some would say: “I love your confidence.” ” and others “Look at this arrogant idiot.” – Djoker opened up about his feelings lately.

Further, he also talked about how he himself didn’t expect to win three Grand Slams at the age of 36. Along with that, he recalled that 10 years ago, someone published an article regarding how his career would end at 32, but in reality, the time has changed, and the 36-year-old Serb openly acknowledged that he would like to play beyond the age of 40.

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While talking about him being an outsider and sharing his polarizing opinion on his current athletic status, he also dwelled on how, given the way he was brought up, he has no problem saying what he wants. Subsequently, he also highlighted how the best sports rivalries are always between two people and never three, stating one of the biggest reasons why he still considers himself an outsider. Do you know there was a time when Tsonga said that Djokovic wanted to be Nadal and Federer on the court?  

As Tsonga believes, Djokovic is a ‘warrior’ who ‘doesn’t do things to be appreciated’

A few months back, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga analyzed the Serbian tennis player’s take on appreciation and how he has accepted things the way he wanted them to whether tennis fans like it or not.

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READ MORE – Novak Djokovic Swiftly Brings Yet Another Change in New Twist to His Team’s Structure at the Australian Open

He said, “I consider that he (Novak)had a period where he didn’t want to be himself. He wanted to be Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal when perhaps he should have remained himself all along. I think today he is himself.” Along with that, he also stated that now that he is himself, he is receiving the appreciation that he deserves, as he is completely honest about himself.

He further added, 

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Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Djokovic’s position in the tennis world? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Watch This Story: ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo

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Written by:

Pratishtha Prakash

2,508Articles

One take at a time

Watching the biggest sports events have been a part of my life right from my early childhood. Although I have grown up watching a variety of sports, including tennis, cricket, and esports, I have a special connection to tennis. Thus, when it came to building a career in sports journalism, I focused on the racket sport.
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Edited by:

Ananya Giri