Novak Djokovic has cultivated his image as a villain of the sport. The Terminator has found himself with a negative image after statements made on and off the court. Additionally, his behavior of fighting with the umpires often does not help his image. The world’s number 1 is aware of the situation and has thought about it with much introspection.
He has specifically tried to relate himself to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, as the two have always been loved by tennis fans. He ended up accepting it and shared how he solved it in a recent interview.
Djokovic’s priority is to be the ‘authentic self’ instead of ‘win over the crowds’
The Serbian star is in Melbourne to defend his Australian Open title. He also interviewed with Times UK, who shared the interview recently. In the exclusive, he was asked if he had ever wanted to be loved by the tennis world. The Djoker had to go deep in thought as he revealed his internal dialogue when talking about how he wanted to be loved like Rafa and Fed.
“Do I want to be loved? I think at the beginning of my career, I really tried to be, how can I say this, a bit more connected with the crowd, particularly in places where they loved Federer and Nadal more, or Andy Murray for that matter.”
However, he had to accept the harsh reality. “But at the same time, I understood there are various factors why I will not be supported more than them. So I asked myself, do I keep on trying to win over the crowds or accept it and move on? Be my authentic self, whether they like that person or not?”
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Although he had to accept the harsh reality of not being able to be loved as much as Fedal, it never stopped him from playing his best. His efforts have launched him to the stars, and now he believes he is the biggest threat when it comes to tournaments.
‘Myself always first’ – Djoker is always the number one for ‘winning a Grand Slam’
Before he kicked off his Australian Open stint, Djokovic interviewed with the Melbourne press to talk about his tour. One reporter asked him who he believed to be the biggest threat to usurp him from his throne.
For the Serbinator, no one was before him: “Myself always first, and then, of course, all the other best players in the world. Any player is here with, I’m sure, the intention to achieve the dream of winning a Grand Slam. Some players are obviously more expected to go further than some others.”
The Djoker is primed and ready to step forth to the challenge in Australia. He will only be aiming to win his 11th Australian Open and bring his total tally up to 25. One thing is for certain: each player will fear facing him and will give them all to bring him down.
