"I’m not sure it’s entirely true that Novak Djokovic is not popular, Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal fans may drive that message" - Former ATP player
Former player Patricio Apey has opined that Novak Djokovic is a 'class act'. Apey believes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fans may have created a negative narrative against the Serb.
Djokovic's popularity among tennis fans has seen some tough days over the last few weeks. The Serb got into a tussle against the Wimbledon crowd at Centre Court during his Round of 16 match against Holger Rune.
The World No. 2 seemed certain that the crowd, in disguise of cheering for the Dane, was booing him. He confronted the crowd during his on-court interview and claimed that he was disrespected. Later, Djokovic even walked out of a BBC interview after he was asked multiple questions about the crowd at SW19.
Moreover, the 37-year-old has seemingly lost the popularity contest against Federer and Nadal. However, leading tennis agent and manager Patricio Apey claimed that the negative narrative around the Serb may have something to do with Federer and Nadal fans.
Apey, who manages players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz, expressed his views on the 24-time Grand Slam winner's perceived popularity. In an interview with Tennis365, Apey said,
“Novak is just a great guy. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know him down the years. I’ve done some things for his Foundation and I don’t have the smallest bad word to say about him."
"I’m not sure it’s entirely true to say that Djokovic is not popular with the tennis public. A lot of Federer and Nadal fans may drive that message, but he is caring, he is as intelligent as can be, and is a class act in so many ways," he added.
"Novak Djokovic is so grounded, centered, and comfortable in his skin" - Patricio Apey
Patricio Apey sang praises for Novak Djokovic as he was extremely impressed with his interactions with the Serb. He believed Djokovic was 'grounded' and was a man who was 'comfortable in his skin'.
“He can attend an event for a charity or a foundation and deliver a 30-minute speech about the mission of the organisation without a single note. He is always so impressive," Apey said.
“He’s so grounded, centred and comfortable in his skin. That’s more important than anything anyone can say about him. You can’t please all of the people all of the time, that’s the reality,” he added.
Djokovic later reconciled with the Wimbledon crowd as they had cheered for him during and after his loss in the final against Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb is now preparing to represent his nation at the upcoming Paris Olympics.