“Why I never liked Roger Federer”; “Remained silent for 18 long years” – Fans angered by Swiss confessing initial ‘lack of respect’ for Novak Djokovic
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Roger Federer’s recent admission about his initial “lack of respect” for Novak Djokovic has stirred significant controversy among tennis fans. In interviews and documentaries, Federer reflected on his rivalry with Djokovic, revealing that during the Serbian’s early career, he wasn’t convinced Djokovic was destined for greatness. This comment came as a shock to some fans, particularly Djokovic supporters, as Federer had remained silent on the issue for many years.
Federer, who dominated the tennis world in the early 2000s, was initially unsettled by both Rafael Nadal and Djokovic’s emergence. He admitted in the Amazon documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days that while he respected Nadal’s game, Djokovic was a different story. Djokovic’s technical flaws at the beginning of his career, particularly his extreme forehand grip and less fluid backhand, made Federer doubt him. Over time, though, Federer acknowledged that Djokovic had refined these aspects and transformed into a formidable opponent.
The tension between Federer and Djokovic wasn’t just on the court. Federer’s fans, known for their passionate support, were also slow to embrace Djokovic. Federer acknowledged that Djokovic, with his strong-willed and gritty style, didn’t resonate with fans who were already deeply loyal to either Federer or Nadal. In Federer’s words, Djokovic was the “party crasher” in the celebrated Federer-Nadal rivalry.
Djokovic himself has reflected on these early interactions, noting that Federer wasn’t pleased with his bold attitude and self-confidence when he first joined the tour. Djokovic had openly expressed his ambition to become the world’s best player, something that may have irked the more established stars at the time. Nevertheless, Djokovic maintained that he always showed respect for his competitors, even if his brash personality made it seem otherwise.
The revelation that Federer harbored doubts about Djokovic’s potential for so long has left some fans feeling betrayed. Federer had been seen as the epitome of sportsmanship and respect, so his delayed admission of his true feelings caught many by surprise. Fans, particularly those of Djokovic, are questioning why Federer waited 18 years to acknowledge this. The timing of this revelation, long after both men have built their legendary careers, adds fuel to the ongoing debate about how tennis legends view one another.
In hindsight, Federer’s reflections show an evolution of thought. He has grown to appreciate Djokovic’s mental toughness and drive, which were crucial in propelling him to 24 Grand Slam titles, surpassing Federer’s own tally. Federer has noted that Djokovic’s incredible focus and relentless pursuit of victory may have alienated some fans but were also key to his success.
Ultimately, the confession has sparked heated discussions about respect, rivalries, and how the greats of the sport interact. Federer’s candid admission adds nuance to his complex relationship with Djokovic, but it also opens the door for reflection on how sports icons handle competition, ego, and the legacy they leave behind. Fans of both players have been vocal about their opinions, with many Djokovic supporters feeling vindicated, while some Federer fans feel disillusioned by the long silence.
