New Delhi: The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic recently opened up about his relationship with his biggest rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In a recent Failure of Champions interview with Slaven Bilic, he expressed how throughout his career, he felt he never received the same adoration and affection from fans that were consistently shown toward his esteemed rivals.
The Serbian has been part of tennis’ renowned ‘Big 3’, and as he reflected on his tennis journey, he said, “I am a man with many flaws, of course. Nevertheless, I have always tried to live with heart and good intentions and ultimately to be myself.”
Feeling like an outsider in tennis Golden Era
Djokovic candidly spoke about feeling like an outsider – “the unwanted child.” The 38-year-old even tried changing his demeanour in hopes of being more accepted but nothing seemed to work. Despite surpassing both Federer and Nadal in major titles, Djokovic still noted the stark disparity in public affection.
While talking about the disparity in fan support he experienced over the years in comparison to the Swiss and Spanish legend, he said, “I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I was not supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came and said I am going to be No. 1. Many people did not like that.”
He recalled how his emergence disrupted the Federer-Nadal narrative, saying, “I was the third man who boldly declared, I’m going to be number one.”
Novak Djokovic says it hurt him that he wasn’t as loved as Roger & Rafa, ‘I was never as loved as Federer & Nadal because I wasn’t supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the 3rd guy who came & said I’m going to be #1.. Many people didn’t like that’
“I acted and still felt… pic.twitter.com/Py238BfYJZ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 12, 2025
Respect and rivalry
Though he often felt like the odd one out, Djokovic acknowledged that competing with Federer and Nadal played a huge role in his growth as an athlete. “The rivalry with those two had the most influence on my development, especially in the second part of my career.”
He even offered his analysis of the playing styles within the Big 3, saying, “When we compare Federer, Nadal and me – Federer is the most talented, the most beautiful to watch, he spent his energy the most efficiently, he moved so slowly, so elegantly, so efficiently while Nadal is the other contrast, the other extreme. Physicality is maximum, and I’m somewhere in between but more towards Nadal. Each of us had some of our own characteristics, and as time went on, our rivalries complemented each other and strengthened.”
According to Djokovic, their unique attributes not only defined their individual careers but also enriched the sport through their historic rivalries. His candid reflections reveal the emotional weight of chasing greatness in the shadows of two beloved icons. He may not have been the crowd favourite, but his impact on the tennis world is undeniable.
Novak Djokovic shares emotional insights on his rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, reflecting on legacy, love from fans, and the Big Three era. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
