Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis star, opened up about his career and rivalries on a TV show. He talked about how he disrupted the established order in tennis. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were already rivals when Djokovic emerged. He said not everyone was happy about his rise to the top.
Djokovic felt like an outsider in the tennis world. He said racism and borders still exist in the sport. He didn’t mean that he experienced racism himself, but he sees it in the broader picture. The Serbian player has always tried to be true to himself. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not to gain fans.
Novak Đoković: “Olimpijske igre 2028 – to je motivacija! Pre svega OI. Da si olimpijac, u selu sa drugim sportistima, to je sport!” #NoleFam #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/or2Al3C5f5
— Wolfy (@BigBadWolfWolfy) May 26, 2025
Djokovic never tried to be like Federer or Nadal. He just wanted to be better than them. He respects his rivals but doesn’t feel the need to be friends with them. The tennis world is competitive, and Djokovic has learned to accept that not everyone will like him.
He remembers feeling like an unwanted child, wondering why he wasn’t accepted. Djokovic tried to change who he was to fit in, but it backfired. Now, he’s okay with being himself, even if that means some people won’t like him. His attitude towards Federer and Nadal hasn’t changed, but their relationship with him has. Djokovic looks up to them and still inspires himself from their games.