“Why fans can’t do it too?” Frustrated Andy Roddick lashes out at ‘passionate’ fans of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal

Citing the example of Djokovic and Federer, Roddick urged fans to follow their idols' footsteps and be more cordial on social media.

“Why fans can’t do it too?” Frustrated Andy Roddick lashes out at ‘passionate’ fans of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick (inset) (Images via Imago)

American tennis icon Andy Roddick has not been impressed with how fans of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal treat each other on social media. He expressed his disapproval of the three fan bases continuously being at war with each other.

Roddick expressed anger with the continuous trolling the Big Three had to endure due to various sections of the fans who did not like them. He stated that he could not understand why fans could not put their differences aside and acknowledge all the greats of the game.

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Citing the example of Federer and Djokovic, Roddick claimed that while there has been well-documented evidence of the two players locking horns in the heat of the moment, the two have also kept aside their rivalry and differences to praise each other regularly.

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The moment you are describing of Roger saying something to Novak and Novak having the respect for Roger, and they've had bumpy moments. They're well-documented. If those two can push everything aside and say 'you're great. You're the reason I was great.' Why the fans can't do it too? If you want to support your guy, support the things your guy respects, support the people he respects.
Andy Roddick said on his podcast Served with Andy Roddick.

Iga Swiatek previously expressed disapproval of fans’ behavior on social media, with her peers also echoing her converns

While the squabble between the fans of the Big Three has been the most highlighted in recent years, other players have also been fed up with hate-mongering on social media. WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek called out fans for their negative comments, claiming that she received tons of negative comments for just losing a set.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

Swiatek urged everyone to think twice before making any comments on social media. She stated that no player would lose on purpose and that they all give their 100 percent in all matches irrespective of the end result. 

The amount of hate and criticism that me and my team get after even losing a set is just ridiculous. I want to encourage people to be more thoughtful when they comment on the Internet. We all sacrifice a lot. We're all working really hard to be in that place. We're always giving 100 percent of what we can do every day. It's sad for me to see that people I work with and myself, we're really judged.
Iga Swiatek said in August 2023. (H/T: Marca)

While Swiatek’s thoughts were echoed by Ons Jabeur, American tennis ace Coco Gauff singled out her critics on social media following her title win at the 2023 US Open. Men’s tennis ace Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, has disclosed that the barrage of negative comments was the reason for his minimal use of social media.

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