Novak Djokovic Gives Brutal Response to Commentators Mocking Him with ‘Skinny and Hungry’ Remark

World No.4 Novak Djokovic lifted the Hellenic Championship and the Geneva Open this year.

Novak Djokovic Gives Brutal Response to Commentators Mocking Him with ‘Skinny and Hungry’ Remark

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Wolfy)

Novak Djokovic is still hungry for more glory. Even though he only had disappointments in Grand Slam events this year, he is not at all thinking about retirement. He made the semifinals of all four Majors this year. At the Australian Open, a hamstring injury forced him to give the walkover to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

Jannik Sinner was the reason why Djokovic failed to reach the final of the French Open and Wimbledon. Eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz eliminated him in the semifinal of the US Open.

Djokovic recently won the Globe Sportsman of the Year award, given to him by none other than footballing great Cristiano Ronaldo. The 38-year-old attended the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday, during which he was shown a clip of commentators mocking him for his slim physique during his teen years.

One commentator asked, “Today, Novak Djokovic is taking the court, and what do we know about this guy?” The other responded:

Not a lot. This kid is the youngest in the draw; he just turned 18 years old. He is tall, thin, and very hungry. When you look at him, you would say that he is hungry both literally and figuratively.

Djokovic agreed with their views. Instead of taking offense, the 24-time Grand Slam champion agreed that he indeed is hungry.

They’re right. I’m still hungry.

Novak Djokovic said

Djokovic plans to play till the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as he wants to win another gold medal for Serbia. The 38-year-old clinched his career’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year by defeating Alcaraz.

Patrick Mouratoglou calls Novak Djokovic the greatest player of all time

Patrick Mouratoglou has always considered Novak Djokovic the greatest player of all time. As the 2026 season is around the corner, Mouratoglou backed the 38-year-old to win another Major, saying his 25th Grand Slam title would be an incredible feat in the era of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic (2)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Danny)

What would be amazing is to see Novak win at least one last Grand Slam. It’s never been so difficult because, as we all know, Sinner and Alcaraz are killing the game. They’re so much above. When Novak had to play them, he said it was too difficult, too high, especially in five sets. The chances are small, Novak himself says it. But how amazing it would be for him, who is the greatest of all time on the men’s side, to win one last Grand Slam in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, and score that unbelievable 25th Grand Slam.

Patrick Mouratoglou said on Instagram

Sinner and Alcaraz have swept aside the last eight Grand Slam titles, with the last player other than them to win a Major being Djokovic (2023 US Open). Since that win, the only time the Serb reached a Grand Slam final was at the 2024 Wimbledon, losing that match in straight sets to the six-time Grand Slam champion.

The Australian Open is the next big event, and the three players, Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz, will be chasing history. The veteran will be bidding to win not only his 25th Major, but also his 11th title in the tournament.

Sinner, who defeated Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev in the finals of the previous two seasons, will join Djokovic if he completes the three-peat. Alcaraz has never reached the semifinals but has made the quarterfinals twice: in 2024 and 2025, losing both times in four sets to Zverev and Djokovic, respectively.

The 22-year-old will be eyeing the Career Grand Slam in the first Major of the season. The remaining three Majors he has won twice. This year, he defended his French Open crown and clinched the US Open, both by beating Sinner. The 24-year-old won the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Also read: Former WTA Player Unconvinced of Other Players Challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner