'He was trashed in a million ways': Former Wimbledon Champion Explains Why Novak Djokovic Never Became a Fan-Favourite Like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Not long ago, the Tennis world was ruled by two gladiators, and the audience was equally balanced on both sides. However, as the fight for the baton was on, there emerged a new kingpin, who not only spoiled the party of the fans of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal but also cemented his reign by leapfrogging the stalwarts. Despite being the undisputed GOAT in terms of titles won, Novak Djokovic had to wait a long time to get somewhat same love that the other two members of Big 3 received. He eventually got the acknowledgement and now stands on the verge of becoming the first-ever tennis player to win 25 Grand Slam titles.

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Novak Djokovic's Former Coach Makes a Telling Remark

Novak Djokovic's former coach and Wimbledon 2001 winner Goran Ivanisevic made an honest reflection on why the Serbian wasn't thrown the same light which Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal basked in. He shed light on the double standards the tennis world showcased with Djokovic.

“One is Swiss, one is Spanish, then comes a guy from Serbia,” said Ivanisevic in an exclusive interview. “He says what he thinks, he says what others think, but won't say it. He was trashed in a million ways, I was there with him, I know everything. Why? Because he had his own opinion,” he added, recalling the flak Djokovic received during his Covid vaccination ordeal.

“Everything he says is somehow against the Western world, just because he speaks the truth and the truth sometimes hurts,” continued Ivanisevic.

“People don't want to hear it, but he never feared saying it. But he proved them wrong on the court, and they can't take that from him. You don't have to like him, but you have to respect him. Eventually, they had to acknowledge him, because he's the greatest (tennis player of all time).”

Djokovic may not become a fan-favorite like Roger and Rafa, but this aspect may not echo in the grander scheme of things. The Serbian has left his footprints on the game to an extent that an eternity may not be enough to erase them.