Novak Djokovic has been portrayed as VILLAIN claims Victoria Azarenka exposing the double standards of media who are always worshiping Federer and Nadal

On the 'Up Front Show' Azarenka expressed some bold opinions on how and why the Serbian superstar isn't as popular as Federer or Nadal

Novak Djokovic has been portrayed as VILLAIN claims Victoria Azarenka exposing the double standards of media who are always worshiping Federer and Nadal

Victoria Azarenka and Novak Djokovic (Credits: Wimbledon and Tennis Majors)


In a recent interview on the ‘Up Front Show’, Belarusian tennis player Victoria Azarenka spoke about the Big Three of men’s tennis. She singled out Serbian living legend Novak Djokovic for not getting the credit he deserves. She held the opinion that Djokovic has well and truly surpassed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of achievements but still struggles to receive the same amount of reverence from tennis enthusiasts.

“Djokovic doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Roger is the most talented from the big three. Rafa is a fighter, full heart. Novak’s mind? I don’t think (he’s like) any athlete I’ve seen. Some criticism he brings on himself. But I’m really amazed by him,” said Azarenka.

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Azarenka further went on to praise Djokovic’s mental game, stating that it is unmatched in the sport. As per the tennis professional herself, Djokovic doesn’t get enough credit for his mental toughness and discipline, mentioning that his discipline is characteristically “very Eastern European.”

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Speaking at length of the media’s perception of him, Azarenka boldly stated, “Djokovic has been painted villain so many times. There’s double standard. He needed to do so much more than Roger or Rafa (to maintain good image). He’s always climbing uphill. When he was younger, he wanted to be likeable, now he stopped caring.”

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Djokovic’s controversies in the past play their part in garnering him unfavorable attention from Media

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Credits: Eurosport)

It is true that the 23-time Grand Slam title champion is no stranger to controversy. However, Some of these controversies have been the direct result of his actions. A few notable examples include the Adria Tour controversy, the vaccination controversy, which prevented the Serb from participating in some big tournaments in the past, or the lineswoman controversy at the US Open 2020.

While Djokovic has had a hard time staying away from controversy during his career, there is no denying his sheer dominance over the sport, which seems to have only grown stronger with age. At 36, well past the age at which most players would consider retiring and exploring other ventures, Novak Djokovic’s vigor and athleticism have baffled tennis fans, analysts, and fellow players alike.

It is now the general opinion within the tennis community that Novak Djokovic is the most successful singles tennis player in history. But by virtue of the string of controversies he has been stuck in in the past, his achievements have always been downplayed by the media. These achievements notwithstanding, it should be agreed that Novak Djokovic’s dominance over the world of tennis is simply indelible.

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