"People like to jump on a bandwagon when they hate on someone": Konta believes Djokovic hate is unwarranted, wants him to reach 24 Grand Slams

Former Britain’s number one player Johanna Konta believes that hate towards Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic is unwarranted.

The 36-year-old is the most successful player in the history of men’s singles tennis in the Open era having won 23 Grand Slam titles.

Konta, while speaking to Sky Sports, stated that Djokovic does not get the recognition he deserves and also said that he would like the current world number two to claim his 24th major title in the upcoming US Open.

"I really want Djokovic to get 24,” she said. “I may be different but I always support the top dog - not the underdog. I always feel more for the people who are expected maybe to win. I just think it's harder. It's a lot harder to achieve and keep achieving again like these big players have. Why would you not root for him to keep pushing?"

"He doesn't have a point to prove. He lost a brilliant final against a brilliant player who is probably going to be the next big name in our sport. I don't think there's any point to prove. I just hope he gets to 24 and maybe even a few more just because I want that for him.”

She continued by saying: "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. And because Rafa and Roger can claim to have changed the game.

"They brought in something new and Novak can't claim that, but he's one of the main reasons why the game is where it is now by pushing it physically. It's incredible but I think it sucks for him.

"He doesn't get that kind of fan recognition in a way. Also, people like to jump on a bandwagon when they hate on someone just because that's what you do, so I do think he's fallen in this space of people don't like Djokovic because it's trendy.

"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. No one knows them personally, so if you stopped one fan and asked them why they don't like Djokovic they wouldn't know really. I'm a secret Djokovic fan for that reason."