5 times Novak Djokovic was targeted by tennis legends ft. Andy Roddick and Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. The Serbian superstar has won 24 Grand Slam titles, breaking numerous records. In 2024, Djokovic added the only major title that eluded him throughout his career, an Olympic gold medal, and became only the fifth player in tennis history to complete a Career Golden Slam.
Djokovic has a strong personality and has always spoken his heart throughout his career, whether his strong opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine or forming the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to challenge the ATP and the WTA.
Djokovic's strong opinions and unwavering confidence have often landed him in controversies involving other players. Here is a list of five times notable tennis stars spoke against the Serbian during his career.
Five tennis legends who targeted Novak Djokovic
#1 Roger Federer
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were involved in a big rivalry throughout their careers. The Swiss superstar was the man to beat when Djokovic arrived on the scene but the Serbian soon overtook Federer's records.
Federer criticized Djokovic for retiring mid-match during his Australian Open quarterfinal against Andy Roddick in 2009. During that period, the Serbian had a history of retiring from matches with this being his seventh instance of retiring mid-match since 2005.
Federer claimed that Djokovic was not fit enough to compete and Roddick deserved to win the match.
"He [Novak Djokovic] is not a guy who's never given up before. It's disappointing. I've only done it once in my career. Andy (Roddick) totally deserved to win that match. I'm almost in favor of saying, you know what, if you're not fit enough, just get out of here," Federer said.
#2 Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic might be friends now but their history has been far from ideal. The Australian known to speak his mind had been critical of Djokovic in the past due to his celebrations and the 'obsession with being liked'.
"He has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked - I just can't stand him," Kyrgios said.
"This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy," Kyrgios added.
However, since then Kyrgios and Djokovic have been good friends, especially when the Aussie supported Djokovic's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
#3 Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the most successful men's players. The dynamic duo were engaged in one of the biggest rivalries of all time with Nadal winning 22 Grand Slam titles and Djokovic winning 24.
Throughout their rivalry, there have been many instances when the duo have exchanged different opinions about each other. During the Australian Open 2022, Djokovic was denied entry into Australia after he revealed he was unvaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.
While talking about the situation, Nadal claimed that it was Djokovic's own decision and he had to face the consequences. The Spaniard added that the rules should be the same for everyone with no exemptions for any player.
"If he wanted, he would be playing without a problem. He has taken his own position and everybody is free to take their position. But there are consequences. I don't like the situation. In some ways, I feel sorry for him. But he made his own decision," Nadal said.
Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open in 2022 to move past Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam tally.
#4 Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick might claim that Novak Djokovic is the greatest player of all time but back in 2008, the American had a different opinion about the Serbian. During the 2008 US Open, Roddick seemed unsure about the truth behind Djokovic's injuries.
When talking about Djokovic's injury concerns before their quarterfinal clash at the US Open, Roddick laughed off the question claiming that Djokovic might be the most courageous player of all time if he is playing with so many injuries.
"Both of them? And the back? And the hip? Aramp? Bird flu? SARS (virus)? Coughing common cold? If it's there it's there, it's just a lot, he is either quick to call a trainer or he is just the most courageous guy of all time, it's for you guy to decide," Roddick said.
Djokovic won against Roddick in a fiery contest to reach the semifinals in New York.
#5 Joao Sousa
Portuguese player Joao Sousa weighed in on Novak Djokovic's vaccination stand by claiming that the Serbian was 'selfish' to arrive in Australia without vaccination.
Sousa added that he respected the Serbian's decision to take a stand for his body but felt it was unfair to the other players vaccinated to compete at the Australian Open.
"I respect that he fights for what he believes and I can be empathetic with what he is going through in Australia, but it's a bit selfish from him to arrive here as the only player unvaccinated. It's tough for us players to accept that," Sousa said.
Djokovic's decision to remain unvaccinated caused a lot of stir among his peers but the Serbian did manage to claim the Australian Open title in 2023 after controversially missing the 2022 edition.