Novak Djokovic: The Greatest of All Time
Novak Djokovic, at 37 years old, stands as the most decorated player in men’s tennis history. His remarkable career includes an unprecedented 24 Major titles, 40 Masters titles, and seven year-end championships. Djokovic has also held the world No.1 ranking for a staggering 428 weeks, a record that underscores his unparalleled dominance. Despite his incredible achievements, Djokovic has faced a peculiar mix of admiration and derision from fans worldwide, a dichotomy that often leaves observers puzzled.
Muscling In on Federer and Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the beloved icons of the ATP Tour for nearly two decades. Their rivalry, epitomized by the 2008 Wimbledon final—often hailed as the greatest match ever played—cemented their status as the sport’s darlings. Djokovic, the younger Serb, disrupted this equilibrium with his first Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open. He defeated Federer in the semi-finals and then Nadal’s conqueror, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in the final. Early in his career, Djokovic was known for his playful impersonations of other players, including the sacred duo. This cheeky demeanor, combined with his rising success, likely sowed the seeds of resentment among fans who were deeply invested in Federer and Nadal. Even Federer admitted to not giving Djokovic the respect he deserved in those early years. As Djokovic continued to dominate, he accumulated a losing record against both Nadal and Federer, further solidifying his position as the sport’s preeminent force and, perhaps, its most polarizing figure.
The US Open Disqualification
Djokovic’s relationship with tennis fans has been marked by a series of controversial incidents, none more significant than his disqualification from the 2020 US Open. During a fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta, trailing 5-6, Djokovic struck a ball in frustration. In the empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, the ball hit a line judge in the throat, causing her distress and prompting Djokovic’s immediate default. The incident, which Djokovic apologized for, tarnished his reputation and fueled the narrative of him being a disruptor. The default not only ended his tournament but also cast a shadow over his public image, something that has been hard to shake off, particularly among fans who already viewed him with skepticism.
The Doomed Adria Tour
Prior to the 2020 US Open, Djokovic organized the Adria Tour, an exhibition tennis event in the Balkans, aiming to bring live sports back to the region during the pandemic. The tour, however, quickly turned into a public relations nightmare. The inaugural event in Belgrade saw packed stands with no social distancing or masks, a stark contrast to the strict pandemic protocols elsewhere. In week two, in Croatia, the situation worsened when Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Ćorić, Viktor Troicki, and Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The tour was promptly canceled, and Djokovic faced significant backlash for his disregard of public health measures. This incident further strained his relationship with the tennis community, especially those who were diligently following pandemic guidelines.
Vaccine Row and Australian Deportation
Djokovic’s stance on mandatory vaccinations has been a significant point of contention. Early in the 2020 pandemic, he vocalized his opposition to mandatory vaccines, citing his interest in alternative medical practices. In 2022, Djokovic announced he would play in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated, claiming a "special exemption" from Tennis Australia. This decision sparked controversy as it was seen as inconsistent with the rules applied to the general public, many of whom were unable to return to the country due to strict pandemic regulations. On January 5, Djokovic was detained by Australian border forces and housed in a detention center. He was eventually deported on January 10. The incident further polarized public opinion, with many Australians feeling that Djokovic had been given preferential treatment. Despite these challenges, Djokovic has since returned to Australia and seems to have mended fences, though he still claims to have been "poisoned by lead in his food" while in detention.
Taking on Centre Court
Djokovic’s success at Wimbledon is unmatched, with seven men’s singles titles to his name. Yet, the Centre Court crowd has never fully embraced him, even in the absence of Federer and Nadal. During the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic clashed with the Melbourne crowd, who booed him as he retired from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev. This incident is not unique; last year at Wimbledon, he had a particularly heated exchange with the Centre Court crowd during a fourth-round match against Holger Rune. Fans chanted "Ruuune" for the Dane, and Djokovic felt disrespected, making sarcastic remarks during his on-court interview. His provocation, such as playing his racquet like a violin towards the stands, has only added to the tension. Despite his vast achievements, Djokovic remains a polarizing figure, and it is unlikely that the Centre Court crowd will warm to him in the coming years.
The Future and Legacy
After his forced retirement against Zverev, Djokovic hinted that this year could be his last on the Tour, a statement that adds a layer of complexity to his relationship with fans. Mark Petchey, Andy Murray’s former coach, reflected on the boos, noting that while Djokovic’s success and injury history should command respect, fans who paid a premium for tickets may feel disappointed by his abrupt departure. Petchey’s conflicted view highlights the divide that Djokovic has faced throughout his career. Whether this will be his final Wimbledon remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic’s legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure, even if his relationship with the crowd remains contentious. His philanthropic efforts, including the building of over 50 schools through his foundation and his appointment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, offer a counter-narrative to the negative perceptions, serving as a reminder of the off-court contributions of a player who has given so much to the sport.
