Djokovic Reveals Feeling Overlooked in Tennis’ Big Three

World No. 1 Opens Up About Perceived Lack of Appreciation

Novak Djokovic has expressed a surprising sense of being undervalued compared to rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, admitting he often felt like the “unwanted child” during their era of dominance. The revelation comes as the Serbian star continues to cement his place in tennis history.

A Sense of Being the Outsider

The 24-time Grand Slam champion detailed his feelings, stating he wasn’t always met with the same level of adoration as his two main competitors. He acknowledged the immense popularity of both Federer and Nadal, but confessed to a lingering sense of not being equally embraced by fans.

Novak Djokovic says he wasn’t ‘adored as much as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’ in Big 3 rivalry 🎾https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9

“I felt like the unwanted child, I felt like I was not adored as much as Roger and Rafa.”

—Novak Djokovic, Interview

This sentiment arrives as tennis viewership continues to grow globally. According to Statista, global tennis revenue is projected to reach $1.39 billion in 2024, demonstrating the sport’s increasing commercial appeal. Statista

The Dynamics of the Rivalry

Djokovic’s comments shed light on the complex dynamics within the “Big Three” rivalry. While Federer and Nadal often enjoyed widespread public support, Djokovic frequently faced a more divided reception, sometimes perceived as the antagonist in their compelling matchups. He believes this impacted how his achievements were viewed.

Was never loved like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal: Novak Djokovic’s big claimhttps://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9

The Serbian player has consistently challenged the established order, surpassing both Federer and Nadal in head-to-head records and Grand Slam titles. Despite his success, he suggests a feeling of being consistently underestimated persisted throughout his career.

Djokovic’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll of competing at the highest level and the pressures of public perception. His candidness provides a new layer of understanding to one of the most captivating rivalries in sports history.