Novak Djokovic Opens Up About Popularity Battle With Federer And Nadal

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has played down the motion of him potentially being the least popular figure in the formidable Big Three by pledging not to ‘add fuel to the fire’.

Djokovic, who recently won a record eighth Australian Open title, is renowned for his loyal fanbase on the tour and has over 8.7 million followers on Twitter. However, on the court there has been times where the world’s highest ranked player has felt more like the outsider than the headline act. Last year at Wimbledon, it was noticeable that the British crowd sided more with Roger Federer in the final, who lost to the Serbian in a five-set epic.

“When the crowd is chanting ‘Roger’ I hear ‘Novak’,” Djokovic told reporters at The All England Club. “It sounds silly, but it is like that.”
“Mentally this was a different level.”
“It was probably the most demanding, mentally most demanding, match I was ever part of.
“It was a huge relief in the end. You work for, you live for these kind of matches.”

In the aftermath, it has been suggested that he lacks the ability to connect with tennis fans in a way that Federer has throughout his career. Something that is disputed. Addressing the issue at a press conference in Belgrade on Tuesday, the 32-year-old doesn’t believe he is missing any love and support on the tour.

“A lot has been written about how I am not loved,” journalist Sasa Ozmo quoted Djokovic as saying in Serbian.
“I don’t like to talk about myself, but my personal impression is that I have a lot of support and sympathy for me.
“When I play Federer or Nadal, the crowd supports them but that doesn’t mean I am hated and that I should turn the whole of the Serbian public against the world.”

During his career, Djokovic has achieved numerous milestones in the sport. He is the only player in history to win over $140 million in prize money, has claimed the year-end No.1 position five times and has won 78 ATP ATP titles, which include 17 at grand slam level.

As to his popularity, Djokovic has vowed not to focus too much on it in order to avoid it affecting his performance on the tour. He has a winning head-to-head record against both Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“Even if people don’t love me everywhere, why would I want to add fuel to the fire?” He stated.
“I don’t want to put too much attention on it, I don’t want to deal with or think about negative emotions, hatred or anger. Sometimes I get distracted, I have outbursts.
“I admit that and I am not proud of it but I am a human being that makes mistakes and I try to become better every day.
“If I invest my energy in these stories that I am not loved, that story will keep growing and why would I want that?”

Social media fanbase of the Big Three (as of 19/2/2020)

Olympic mission

Besides targeting a more success at the grand slams later this year, Djokovic also has his eyes set on claiming a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, which will get underway on July 25th. He is already a three-time Olympian with his best performance occurring in 2008 when he won a bronze medal in the singles competition. Four years later he narrowly missed out in fourth place and then in 2016 he lost in the first round to Juan Martin del Potro.

“It’s the biggest sports show. Everyone knows what the Olympics represent.” He said. “I had the honour of carrying the flag in 2008. In the previous two (games) I have not been to the opening ceremony, I will try to be there this year.’
“The goal is to medal and also experience the Olympic atmosphere in the Olympic Village. To have the opportunity to sit in that canteen and the best athletes of the world walk pass. Being there, talking to them, finding some additional motivation. I look forward to all that stuff.”

Djokovic is currently on track for success in Tokyo and is yet to lose a match in 2020. Besides the Australian Open, he also guided his country to victory at the ATP Cup last month. Nine out of his 13 matches played so far this season was won in straight sets.

The next test for him will be the Dubai Tennis Championships later this month, which will also feature Federer in the field. He is a four-time champion of the event, but last won it back in 2013.

“To me, every tournament is important.” Djokovic stated. “This is how people have taught me since the beginning of my career. Not to underestimate any tournament and not to save myself. I would rather not play it than play at half power. I repeat, grand slams are more important, but my goal is to be a better version of myself in every match.”

As of this week, Djokovic has a 325-point lead in the ATP rankings over second place Nadal.