I have never been as loved as Roger and Rafa because I wasn’t supposed to be there," admits Djokovic about his rivalry with Federer and Nadal

le 12/06/2025 à 22h21

Just over two weeks ago, the Big 4 (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray) reunited at Roland-Garros for the tribute to Rafael Nadal.

Shortly after these heartwarming moments that went around the world, Djokovic, who was defeated in the semifinals on the Parisian clay, spoke about the early days of his rivalry with Federer and Nadal. His comments were shared by the German version of the media outlet 20 Minuten:

"I have never been as loved as Roger and Rafa because I wasn’t supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who showed up and said he wanted to become world No. 1. A lot of people didn’t like that.

It’s not because someone is my biggest rival that I want to hurt them, that I hate them, or that I’ll do whatever it takes on the court to beat them. We all fought for the same goal, and the best one won.

I have always respected Rafa and Roger, and I’ve never said anything bad about them—and I never will. I admired them back then, and I still admire them now. But I’ve always gotten along better with Nadal.

People just don’t like you joker. You are too arrogant

Absolute BS

Bingo

2 replies

No, you were not hated because you were the third guy.

They hate you because you're from Serbia! Which is discriminatory and racist.

Look at what they did to Monica seles because she was from Serbia.

Or even how Jelena dokic was treated in Oz, as well as how they deported you like a criminal (but, yes, let's celebrate a doper because he's not from Serbia and let's not even talk about him doping)

I think that people cannot tell the difference between arrogance and CLASS! Novak rises above all the discrimination, ignorance and malice. As a man who is, BY FAR, THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME, lets focus on how he brought this game to a whole new level for the kids around the world. Clear your lens and look at the world in a positive light!!!

Everyone can't have the same appeal regardless of how great they are

As a Rafa fan, I can say that Novak he used the hatred to fuel him and his ambition. Very impressive

Nole is a great tennis player without a doubt with the things he did in tennis is just amazing ... but people connected more with federer because of the way federer played tennis was awesome and new for the fans... also federer learned the elegance and class and how to connect with fans very quickly same with nadal... on the other hand Novak always shows anger due to his low popularity than the other two which leads to arrogance in court showing shut up gesture to fans during match... that is the only reason he is slightly less loved by tennis fans... but nontheless he is a great tennis player .... and I just bowed him after seeing him play the Wimbledon 2019 final... the way he snatched the victory... awesome...

Footfault, you are pure example how Covid vaccine killed the last remaining brain cell.
That's why I don't expect you to understand.

Even if Nole is not loved as Fedals in the western countries, who cares.
World is much bigger that that.

In the end he is The Greatest Of All Times and all what you can do about that is.....lol.
Enjoy....

Nole says what he really feels, no sugar coating. People may not like that or think that he’s part of that upper class or royalty of tennis, but guess what? He never forgot what his roots are or where he is from. If you met him on the street of NYC, you would probably like him more than Rafa or Roger. Do you know why? Because he would chat with you and have a conversation with the “common man”. He speaks 6-7 languages fluently. Did you hear him speaking to the crowd at Rolland Garros in French? This was not a couple of words, but full fledged conversation. I have the utmost respect for Rafa and Roger and what they’ve accomplished, but Rafa picking at his body parts before every point is not considered good manners. I don’t mind it and understand why he does it, and Rafa 99% of the time will say the right thing to say. Same with Roger. But are they being truthful, who knows. Djoker respects the fans and fellow players to state what he feels is the truth, not sugar coat anything. He fights for better conditions and more money for younger players who may not have a high rank. He ruffles the ‘old guard’ of tennis when he does so, but he does what he feels is right. One day he will get his due as a LEADER in the sport, not just the GOAT. Did you hear Mensik talk about him after he beat Nole? He praised him for giving him the opportunity to work out together and helping to mentor him in some ways. I don’t know anyone who does that at the GOAT level. Just my thoughts on this.

Nah, that's not why.

/JBTennis007.
You bet the Aussies deported him,, WTF does he think he is, he knew Australia wouldn't let anyone who's not vaccinated against Covid Into their country, yet his still got on the plane with his "I'm Novax Djokovic attitude" he seriously thought he was better than anyone, well the good folk of OZ showed him the door, serves him right, Arrogant Ignorant man and yes I've never laughed so much in my life, it was side splitting, thought I was going to end up in A&E.

The Australian government gave him the permission to travel to the country before he boarded his flight. You seem to selectively ignore fact.

1 replies

Sorry Monica Seles was universally loved.

Oh. yeah? Because she was so loved, they took a knife and stuck it into her?