Opinion
Along with Nick Kyrgios, newly crowned world number one Novak Djokovic is the most divisive player on tour with his ‘antics’ and ‘arrogance’ both on and off the court.
You either love him or hate him.
Icons such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal possess that natural aura that makes them so likeable and well-respected.
It is no secret that Novak has had his fair share of the negative spotlight and has been embroiled in controversy throughout his career. From being defaulted for hitting a ball at a lineswoman to organising a party and a tennis tournament in Belgrade, which was a super spreader event during the pandemic, to being accused of faking injuries. The 35-year-old has not won over many fans recently.
Throwing all that into the mix, it feels as though people are using this against him when talking about his status as the greatest player of all time.
That particular debate can have many different meanings and interpretations to it.
Can it be based on the pure style in which the game was played? If so, you would most likely give the nod to Federer for his exquisite technique and talent.
However, if it were to be measured by success and dominance, then the Serbian superstar would be number one.
Novak’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday night earned him a historic tenth Australian Open crown along with 22 majors, tying Nadal.
With injuries looking likely to derail Rafa’s career with age, it presents the perfect opportunity for Djokovic to clear his rivals for those elusive records in the game.
Whatever Novak or his camp have done previously to create animosity, this should have no impact on his dominance on the court.
Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his tenth Australian Open title. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Djokovic’s incredible all-round game has so many weapons.
His defence is the best that the game has ever seen, period. His movement around the court makes his opponent play that extra ball, along with athleticism and incredible touch.
Fair enough if you don’t respect him for some of the things he has done, but you sure have to respect him for the heart he shows and his champion mentality of winning at all costs.
The shambolic scenes that occurred last year involving Novak’s infamous deportation from Australia would have impacted the confidence of most players.
‘Most’ doesn’t include the Serb though. He used that experience along with the accusations of faking a hamstring injury as fuel to seek vengeance for what he and his family suffered through for the past 12 months.
That is why we witnessed him demonstrating raw emotion with his players’ box. It has been an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster with all of the adversity he has had to overcome, let alone focus on winning a grand slam.
This unbelievable mentality of wanting to be the best ultimately sets him apart from his competitors.
Saving two championship points during the 2019 Wimbledon final on the Federer serve is another example of his sheer determination to be a champion.
The more you boo and jeer him, the more motivated he becomes and lets that frustration out on the court.
Admittedly, the frustration is sometimes seen in smashing racquets and being vocal, which has a lot to do with why people see that arrogant side of his personality.
At the end of the day, he is not the bad person he can be made out to be. Yes, he has made mistakes, but his personality is actually one of the more exuberant ones in the game.
For those who are not a fan of Novak Djokovic, it might be time to accept that he will be the greatest of all time once the dust settles.
Treasure greatness as long as you possibly can.
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