No other men’s tennis player in history has as many Grand Slam titles as Novak Djokovic, and the Serbian may have revealed why. The 24-time winner finds it “strange” that his rivals don’t open up about their willingness to win and be the best, something Djokovic finds “completely normal”.
In sport, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, but no one can question Djokovic because of his career accomplishments.
The Serbian became the most decorated player in tennis history after his recent US Open victory, but does have a tendency to clash with the crowd and also his opponents. Djokovic is a serial winner and will do anything to get over the line, and has proven that more than anyone else on the court.
Djokovic has shared the stage with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in a golden era of tennis, who are all brilliant in their own right. But Djokovic feels different to some fellow tennis stars, because he’s open and honest about his goals without worrying what others may think of him.
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The Serbian is the latest athlete to appear on ’60 Minutes with Jon Wertheim’, with his open conversation airing live on Sunday, December 11. Djokovic discusses his career so far and also gives his thoughts on Federer and Nadal, whom he’s battled against for the past 15 years.
Federer has a reputation for being a gentleman, while Nadal is known for his heart and never giving up. Djokovic is simply known as the ‘winner’, even if his attitude does rub some players and fans up the wrong way.
“I love winning,” says Djokovic. “There is no doubt about it. I’m inspired and motivated by records.”
It’s worked for Djokovic more than any other player, and he still doesn’t understand why other players aren’t more like him. “I mean, for me, that’s completely normal,” Djokovic said on 60 minutes. “Like, being honest about it and being your authentic self, and expressing what you feel.
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“I’m just trying to be true to myself and to others and say what my goals and objectives are. So it’s as simple as that.” Due to their success Djokovic has spent a lot of time around Federer and Nadal, but the Serbian doesn’t see them as friends as he’s spent too long treating them as arch-rivals.
“We are not friends because, you know, we’re rivals and it’s difficult as competitors to be very close and kind of share and give insights to you know, to your life or to how you feel because, you know, it could be used against you,” Djokovic added. “But we have shared the stage for so many years. And I think the greatest respect is always there, at least from my side, towards them.
“So yeah, I hope that one day, when the curtains are slightly more closed, that we are, yeah, able to sit down, and reflect. It would be amazing.” Federer retired from the sport in 2022 and Nadal is looking for a comeback in 2023, as he’s been named on the entry list for the Australian Open.
With Djokovic still firing, it’s likely that if the 37-year-old Nadal is wanting a winning return he will have to face the Serbian at some stage. Nadal’s biggest threat remains himself though, as the Spaniard continues to battle injuries.
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