“Look at this arrogant idiot,” Novak Djokovic opens up with a heartbreaking confession on being the alienated other in the ATP circuit

Novak Djokovic talked about not receiving enough love from the fans because he was not from the Western country.

“Look at this arrogant idiot,” Novak Djokovic opens up with a heartbreaking confession on being the alienated other in the ATP circuit

Novak Djokovic (Credits: Sports Illustrated)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has talked about being seen as an outsider right from the start of his career. The 37-year-old who is a part of the Big Three of tennis has explained why he was not liked when he entered the scene. Djokovic said that there is no place for a third person in rivalries.

Speaking to The Times ahead of his 2024 Australian Open campaign, Djokovic talked about not getting the love from the fans and being seen as a polarizing figure. The Serb says that as he came with this mentality to be the No.1 player in the world, people perceived him as a polarizing figure.

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The 37-year-old said that the treatment from the fans made him feel alienated at times. The 24-time Grand Slam champion also said that his mentality was open to interpretation as some would have liked this attitude while others would have labeled him as an ‘arrogant idiot’.

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In the best sports rivalries, in all romantic novels, there are always two people, not three. It's one of the reasons why I was an outsider. I don't come from a Western country. I never had problems saying that I wanted to be # 1.
Novak Djokovic said to The Times. 
A lot of people didn't like that, including them [Roger and Rafa]. That's why I was almost instantly judged and maybe not as liked. I also knew that someone with this kind of mentality was polarizing. Some would say: ‘I love your confidence.’ and others ‘Look at this arrogant idiot.’
The Serbian ace said.

Novak Djokovic kicks off his Australian Open campaign with a win

Coming to Novak Djokovic’s campaign at the 2024 Australian Open, the Serbian ace denied Dino Prizmic a heroics in the opening-round match. While the Serbian started off well against the Croatian youngster, Prizmic made a turnaround in the second set to level the scores.

Novak Djokovic provides update about his wrist injury he caught during match against De Minaur, prior to the mega event starting on Sunday
Novak Djokovic (image via: Imago)

However, Djokovic was quick to bounce back and correct his mistake. The 37-year-old took the next two sets 6-3, 6-4 to close the match in his favor. The defending champion was all praise for the youngster. Djokovic heaped praise on Prizmic for his resilience. 

He deserves every applause and credit he got tonight. He’s an amazing player, so mature for his age. He handled himself on the court incredibly well...He showed great mentality, and resilience and he made me really run for my money tonight.
Novak Djokovic said.

The Serbian will next face Alexei Popyrin in the second round. The 37-year-old is on the verge of scripting history if he wins the title in Melbourne.

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