Novak Djokovic is fully aware that some are not happy with him still being one of the best tennis players in the world, but that’s not his problem.
The Serbian has been competing on the ATP Tour for a very long time, and much of the last decade was highlighted by his domination. First, he dominated aging Big Three rivals, and then the Next Gen, even though things have been slowly changing.
This year hasn’t been as dominant for the 37-year-old, as he still hasn’t won a trophy. He played his first final at Wimbledon, so clearly, he’s still capable of making a deep run despite taking a step back overall.
However, there are still tennis fans, and sometimes also pundits, who don’t choose the nicest words when talking about him. Appreciating greatness can sometimes be weird because many don’t do it while it’s present, but then look back when it’s gone.
Djokovic is fully aware that plenty would like to see him go, and he talked about it recently, admitting that it’s normal, but he keeps working hard and doing his thing, proving his doubters wrong.
“It is logical for people to talk about these things now; it seems there is always a need for headlines of this kind and grandiose news. Many people are not satisfied with me remaining at the top, so they will be eager for that change to occur.”
Nobody, including Djokovic, really knows how long he will be around. He has been on record saying that he will play as long as he can be competitive, and that’s clearly still the case. Those unhappy with that will just have to deal with it.
According to the Serbian, his loss got so much coverage also because it was a loss in the final of the biggest and oldest tournament in the world, which made the occasion even greater.
“That is an intrinsic part of my sporting career, and I always manage to work, perform, and live with it. Obviously, the more important the tournament in which I lose, the more media coverage it will have.”
