"They got a little crocodile on their thing, and they're abusing you": Kokkinakis exposes Djokovic's online fanbase

Saturday, 30 November 2024 at 19:30

Thanasi Kokkinakis cheering passionately

Thanasi Kokkinakis commented on Novak Djokovic’s fans on social media during a conversation with Denis Shapovalov ahead of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown. The Australian player claimed that a portion of Djokovic’s followers "are abusing you" when it comes to supporting the Serbian star.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with a massive global fan base. His accomplishments in tennis have earned him sponsorship deals with prestigious brands like Lacoste, Asics, Head, and most recently, Qatar Airways.

"You know they're Djokovic fans"

Wherever Djokovic goes, he is warmly welcomed by tennis fans, and this enthusiasm has spilled over to social media, where supporters from all over the world express their admiration for him. Recently, Kokkinakis participated in a conversation with Shapovalov and Dominic Thiem to promote the UTS, and one of the topics the Australian touched on was Djokovic's fanbase.

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According to the 2022 Australian Open doubles champion, Djokovic’s fans are easily recognizable by their use of a crocodile emoji, which signifies their connection to Lacoste, one of Djokovic's main sponsors. Kokkinakis stated that these fans are often the ones "abusing you" online.

"The tennis Twitter, if you like Djokovic, like, everyone in their little Lacoste emojis, these little crocodiles, they're there for you. You know what I mean," Kokkinakis told Shapovalov. "You know they're Djokovic fans because they got a little crocodile on their thing, and they're abusing you, dude. And they're not even Serb, but they're abusing you," he added.

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Later in the conversation, Kokkinakis joked about Djokovic's rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and the different treatment Djokovic received during his early days on the Tour. "Federer was like really welcoming, especially like when you're younger. Same as Rafa. But then Novak was like, F***, this guy doesn’t lose and just drinks juices all day," Kokkinakis said.

Kokkinakis cooked the worst fanbase in Tennis Twitter #Nolefam 🤡 pic.twitter.com/tY2lqcFbfw
— Fednanen (@fednanen) November 29, 2024

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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