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.
Read also
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.
Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, the most by any player in the history of men's tennis in the Open era.
“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.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
