Novak Djokovic revealed his theory over why he doesn’t get the same support as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal four years ago

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Novak Djokovic is the last member of the ‘big three’ to still be competing after both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retired.

Djokovic is currently playing his first full season on the ATP Tour without both Federer and Nadal, who retired at the Davis Cup last year.

It has been a tough past month for the 37-year-old, with Djokovic making unwanted history after suffering another early exit at Indian Wells.

This drop in form dates back to the Australian Open, where Djokovic was booed off the court after retiring from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic has not always had the crowd on his side over the years, while his biggest rivals Federer and Nadal were fan favourites across the globe.

Why did Novak Djokovic think Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal got more support than him?

The ‘big three’ had some very closely contested battles over the years, that took place on some of the biggest stages that tennis has to offer.

One of their more memorable matches was the 2019 Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer.

Despite having two championship points and most of the Centre Crowd on side, Federer was unable to beat Djokovic, who would win his fifth of what is now seven Wimbledon titles.

When discussing this final on Instagram live with Stan Wawrinka in 2020, Djokovic admitted that he was very aware that Federer was the fans favorite.

“What I said after the finals against Roger at Wimbledon last year, which was one of the most epic matches that I have been a part of, and there it was really interesting in terms of the crowd support and everything,” said Djokovic. “Most the people were cheering for him on and off the court as well.”

When Wawrinka questioned Djokovic over why he thinks his opponent received more support that day, the Serbian was full of praise for both Federer and Nadal’s character.

Djokovic, who was had 17 Grand Slams at the time of this Instagram live, also suggested that Federer was arguably the greatest player of all time.

“We can discuss about various things and factors why this in such way or other way. It is really hard to say,” explained Djokovic. “I mean, for sure one thing is that Roger is arguably the greatest player of all time. He is the guy who is liked around the world, so I don’t expect to be honest, in most of the cases, as long as he is playing for the crowd to be the majority on my side.

“Yes, some places maybe, but most of the places they are going to support Roger and I am okay with that because it’s Roger. And it’s a very similar situation with Rafa. It’s hard for me to answer that question why it is like that.

“Am I contributing to that in a negative way? That I am taking away the crowd support from me. I don’t think so. I think it’s more the greatness of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Not just them as tennis players but them as people, as very charismatic, nice guys, humble guys, great champions who have made a huge mark on our sport. I am part of their era so in one way I am lucky and in one way I am not.”

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer

Since that Instagram live, Djokovic has moved to the top of the men’s Grand Slam charts with 24 major titles to his name.

The 2023 US Open is Djokovic’s most recent major victory, as he sits two ahead of his closest rival Nadal.

Djokovic also has a dominant lead in most weeks as world number one, having spent over eight years at the top of the ATP rankings.

The Serbian also leads his head-to-head’s against both Nadal and Federer, with Djokovic also winning Olympic gold in 2024 to claim the one big title that he was missing from his trophy cabinet.

As a result of his dominance in recent years, players including Carlos Alcaraz have said Djokovic is the greatest player of all time ahead of Nadal and Federer.