Novak Djokovic has always been compared to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The big three comparisons started when Djokovic began rising to the top. But he has not been able to have a fanbase like Nadal or Federer.
His personality and character development have been different from the other two. Djokovic is undoubtedly ahead in numbers, but his haters have doubted his overall achievements. Former World No. 4 Johanna Konta revealed that she is a secret Djokovic fan. She also said that Djokovic has pushed the physical limits of the game and deserves credit for that.
When asked why more people are going against him, she said, “It’s almost trendy not to like Djokovic. I don’t see any one person can say why they don’t like Djokovic, specifically because no one knows him. Equally, no one knows Roger and Rafa either,” (via Sky Sports). She said fans cannot say why they actually hate the Serbian.
Konta supported Djokovic as she said he is getting hate because he came after and achieved fame after Nadal and Federer did. She said, “Out of the top stars, Djokovic has had the toughest image just because he just got there a bit later and there were huge fan bases for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.”
The ten-time Australian Open champion has been known to be unstoppable when he is fit as he claims victory over the top players on any surface. Djokovic recently won a record 39th ATP Masters 1000 title, and there seems to be no stopping him.
Novak Djokovic far ahead of competitors in terms of numbers and titles
Djokovic has been troubling Nadal and Federer since his maiden grand slam win in 2008. By then, Federer had won twelve majors, Nadal had three, but Djokovic now has twenty-three majors. The 36-year-old has become a living legend of the game. He has shown his skills against the top players in their prime on their favorite surfaces.
Djokovic has been a contender for the major since 2011, and the important part is that he can still show his class. Although certain fans hate him, his loyal fans, known as “Nolefans,” are increasing. Federer and Nadal can have more fans, but the titles and numbers belong to Djokovic. That is something he will always have against them. The limits he broke over the years have made players question their ability on the court.
Australian Open 2012 ➡️ Cincinnati 2023@DjokerNole #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/trroILR1DC
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 21, 2023
The seven-time Wimbledon champion thrives off the books he gets from the crowd and gives it back to them in victories. Love or hate him, Djokovic is a threat to any player who wishes to win a grand slam. Young or old, there is no easy passage against him. He has nothing to prove on the sport; he has all the fans he needs.