“I kind of learned it,” Novak Djokovic opens up on his mentality during matches when everyone goes against him and how he deals with it 

Novak Djokovic burst the myth that he likes booing crowds as they get the best out of him.

“I kind of learned it,” Novak Djokovic opens up on his mentality during matches when everyone goes against him and how he deals with it 

Novak Djokovic talks about facing booing from crowds around the world (Image via X)

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is currently the best player in the world. He has 24 Grand Slam titles to his credit, is ranked No.1 in the world, and has also won the most ATP Finals titles. However, one thing that constantly bothers the 36-year-old is the lack of crowd support whenever he steps onto the court. In fact, Djokovic has to deal with booing in most of his matches.

Although the Serbian manages to get the best out of him even with the crowd going against him, Novak Djokovic has revealed that he enjoys being in an environment where there is more support than opposition. However, the 36-year-old also revealed the secret behind being able to pull things off in his favor despite the crowd completely against him.

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Djokovic has revealed that he has learned to thrive under such an atmosphere over time. But the 24-time Grand Slam winner was quick to point out that although a hostile crowd works in his favor it does not mean he likes that. Djokovic clarified that, like any player, he also loves to play where there is more support for him. 

The amount of pressure and stress is so much higher if the crowd is against you. In most of my career, it was mostly hostile environments and I kind of learned how to thrive in that environment. People think that it is actually better that they don't like me so that it gets the best out of me in terms of tennis. It did happen but I actually enjoy more being in an environment where, you know, I have nice support.
Novak Djokovic said on 60 Minutes.

Novak Djokovic a master at using rowdy crowd behavior to his advantage

As Novak Djokovic has already mentioned, the Serbian has learned how to thrive in hostile environments. In fact, he has become a master at using rowdy crowd behavior to his advantage- be it at the Wimbledon, or at the US Open. Novak Djokovic knows how to channel the frustration into his game.

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Novak Djokovic orchestrates the booing crowd at ATP Finals (Image via Fox Sports)

There have been so many instances when Novak Djokovic has pulled off a sweet victory despite the crowd being against him. One such win came in the second-round match at The Championships when Djokovic defeated Jordan Thompson 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-5. The Serbian then talked about the crowd’s behavior and revealed that such rowdy behavior only invokes the winner in him.

In fact, they are doing me a favor. The more they cheer against me, the better for me. They wake something in me that they perhaps don’t want to see – a winner. It gives me extra fuel, and inspires me to play even better. (H/T: Tennismajors)

While Novak Djokovic continued to find motivation in the boos, it is to be seen how long before the crowd in every stadium starts to respect the player with most Grand Slam titles.

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