Djokovic Soaring Through History While Largely Misunderstood by the Masses

When Novak Djokovic collected his tenth Australian Open title and 22nd major at the end of January in Melbourne, he raised his stature once more on the historical ladder of our sport. Now the immensely ambitious Serbian is tied with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam championships ever secured by a man in singles, and by virtue of his triumph “Down Under,” Djokovic moved back to his old residence on top at No. 1 in the world. He turns 36 on May 22, but somehow seems considerably younger as he pursues his highest ambitions and largest dreams.

And yet, this estimable individual remains one of the most misunderstood men in the world of tennis. In many ways, he has been maligned by followers of the game who have witnessed his greatness without fully recognizing his wide range of attributes. He has come upon us in a golden era, following in the footsteps of the enormously popular Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Swiss Maestro and the Spanish Gladiator are celebrated sports luminaries, deeply appreciated by fans for their many commendable characteristics, beloved in every corner of the globe.

Djokovic has been widely admired as well, but the view here is that he has too often been under appreciated and largely taken for granted. Federer’s supreme elegance as a player, sophistication as a human being and comfort in the public arena were enduring virtues. Nadal’s high integrity, the muscularity of his game and his whirlwind topspin have long endeared him to fans. These towering champions were always perceived by the public as regal figures and admired for all the right reasons.

But, in the case of Djokovic, he has not received the same universal reverence as his counterparts. Some tennis fans have seen him as an intruder or, essentially, a gate crasher. In the minds of many sports followers, his flaws have been magnified and his strengths minimized. He has been irrationally made into a villain by observers who have seldom cut him any slack.

Frequently misconstrued by the masses, Djokovic is actually an outstanding sportsman, although he would concede that there are times during stressful matches when he unreasonably releases rage at his entourage. He apologized to them after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final, saying, “I know you guys are tolerating sometimes the worst side of my character on and off the court, and I appreciate the patience, the love, and the support that you guys are giving me. I have to repeat it over and over again— this trophy is yours as much as it’s mine, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Djokovic is as tough on himself as he is on those in his immediate circle, but the fact remains that he wins with considerable grace and loses with much more class than most of his colleagues. Seldom is that competitive equanimity mentioned by my colleagues in the media.

Forever stored in my memory bank is the loss he suffered against Stan Wawrinka in the 2015 French Open final. Djokovic had not yet won at Roland Garros, although he would eventually garner that title in 2016 and 2021. The defeat against his Swiss adversary was heartbreaking, but Djokovic greeted Wawrinka with genuine warmth when they shook hands afterwards, squeezing his opponent’s face, extending his heartfelt congratulations to the victor conversationally for longer than usual. Before the presentation ceremony commenced, he approached Wawrinka again to laud him before talking effusively about Wawrinka in his runner-up speech. That was exemplary conduct.

After Djokovic secured his third U.S. Open title in 2018 by upending Juan Martin del Potro in the final, he noticed that the 2009 champion was distraught while sitting courtside with his head in his hands, trying to digest the defeat. Djokovic generously walked over and consoled del Potro in a character defining moment.

Not only is Djokovic a sportsman, but also an ineffably pure ball striker and consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned in his attention to detail and commitment to winning the sport’s premier prizes. As Djokovic soon approaches the end of a sterling career, the larger world view of this extraordinary champion will sweepingly change while the misconceptions surrounding him fade into obscurity. He deserves much wider public recognition and affection across the board— as a prodigious player, bold leader and continuously evolving human being. Ultimately, Novak Djokovic will be seen as a transcendent tennis figure with virtues that greatly outnumber his imperfections.