“There was no hype,” Roger Federer reveals how he underestimated Novak Djokovic during the start of his career

Novak Djokovic is seldom showered with the love Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal get.

“There was no hype,” Roger Federer reveals how he underestimated Novak Djokovic during the start of his career

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

Novak Djokovic began his professional career in 2003 but had to wait three years for his first title. Notwithstanding, he was not seen as a rising 17-year-old youngster when he began to compete despite his talent. Roger Federer revealed that there was no hype about him like the way Rafael Nadal was hyped.

Djokovic was always looked down on right from the start of his career because, despite his talent, he had technical errors in his game. It was a position shared among very few in the ATP, majorly between Nadal and Federer. However, he had his sight on his goal and he pursued it regardless of how he was dubbed at that time.

YouTube video

The Serbian won his first ATP title at Amersfoort in 2006. Two years later, at just 20, he became the first player to disrupt Federer and Nadal’s 11 consecutive winning run at the Australian Open. But, before that, he shocked the tennis community in 2007 when he won his first Masters 1000 title in Miami.

FS Video

Twenty-one years later since the start of his professional career, Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles and 40 ATP 1000 titles. Roger Federer recounted that the first time they played at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters, he was not hyped.

When I played against Novak for the first time in Monaco (2006, three-set victory; ed.), I don't remember there being a huge hype. No one said: Here comes Novak! No one said that he could possibly rewrite the history books. It was different with Rafa. There was more power behind it.
Roger Federer said via Sport Bild

Despite losing their first meeting, Djokovic defeated Federer 27 times in their 50 meetings on the court. The Serbian also defeated the Swiss twice in Wimbledon, Federer’s favorite Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic shares an update on his recovery process, as he may likely compete in Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic shared an update on his recovery process from injury. The 37-year-old tore his midal meniscus at the French Open and underwent surgery a few days later. Despite, no official date of return, it hinted that the Serbian could be back for Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic comeback
Novak Djokovic working hard for a quick comeback (via Imago)

Wimbledon which gets underway on July 1 is a tournament Djokovic has won seven times in his career. The 24-time Grand Slam winner was seen a few days ago in the gym paddling and involved in other forms of exercise. He shared recently scenes of him running on grass, much to the excitement of his fans and followers on Instagram.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion faces a race against time to be ready for the grass court season and the Paris Olympics. The month of July is surely set to test the Serb to his limits.

In case you missed it: