Why Djokovic isn't receiving the love: Federer weighs in

Switzerland’s legendary tennis star Roger Federer has opened up about why fans had a hard time accepting Novak Djokovic as part of the ‘Big Three’.

The 37-year-old is now regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.

Despite his achievements on the court, a narrative is being discussed within the tennis community about whether fans have treated him fairly over the years.

Some believe that Djokovic deserves more recognition from the fans, whereas others believe that his different personality kept them away from him.

Federer, who is also regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won as many as 20 Grand Slam titles, discussed why Djokovic remains such a polarizing figure in a documentary.

The former world number one, who was the first men’s player to win more than 15 Grand Slam titles and 20 major events in the Open era, stated that the Serbian legendary tennis star was seen as a party crasher, which is why fans had a hard time accepting his greatness.

“There was a lot of Rafa-Roger love there, so when Novak came, probably a lot of people said, ‘Look, we don’t need a third guy. We’re happy with Roger and Rafa’,” said Federer.

“The Federer fans at the beginning didn’t really like him because they just thought, ‘Roger’s a bit more easy; he does it with ease’. Then Novak came in with his strong personality and that unbelievable grit of wanting to win at all costs.

“I think also Novak was triggered by the relationship with the fans ... that deep focus maybe scared some people away.”

Djokovic is having a difficult campaign. He has yet to play in the final of any event. His most recent appearance in the French Open came to an abrupt end. He was forced to withdraw from the competition after suffering a knee injury just before the start of the quarterfinal against Norway’s Casper Ruud.

Djokovic underwent knee surgery to recover from the injury he sustained at Roland Garros, which is why his participation in the upcoming Wimbledon and Paris Olympics remains a doubt.