Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar, remains a polarizing figure in the sports world. Recognized as one of the greatest tennis players in history with 24 Grand Slam titles, he has faced significant criticism and controversy throughout his career. From being heckled by fans to enduring harsh remarks from the media, Djokovic’s career has been marked by a love-hate relationship with tennis enthusiasts. A major point of contention is whether his attempt to challenge the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, collectively referred to as “Fedal,” has fueled the animosity against him.
This dynamic was evident during the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic once again faced moments of hostility. In one instance, a heckler disrupted his match against Tomas Machac. Although Djokovic addressed the situation humorously during his on-court interview, it highlighted the challenges he often faces. Such incidents have become a recurring theme during his matches, particularly in Australia, where his interactions with the crowd are frequently tense. Last year, a fan accused a family of mocking her for supporting Djokovic, further underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding his matches.
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Off the court, Djokovic has also encountered criticism. Recently, podcaster and athlete Josh Mansour stirred debate by asking fans to choose between Djokovic and Nadal in their prime. One fan, who picked Nadal, simply stated, “Because everyone hates Djokovic.” This sentiment reflects the divisive opinions about the Serbian star. Adding to the controversy, Australian broadcaster Tony Jones made derogatory remarks about Djokovic, calling him “overrated” and a “has-been.” Jones later apologized after Djokovic received boos for cutting short a post-match interview with Jim Courier.
The discussion around Djokovic’s polarizing image is not limited to his on-court demeanor. Fans and commentators often question whether his medical time-outs are genuine or strategic. Despite the backlash, Djokovic’s resilience and ability to thrive under pressure remain hallmarks of his career. Interestingly, his camaraderie with Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has drawn attention. Once a vocal critic, Kyrgios became one of Djokovic’s most prominent supporters during the 2022 Australian Open, when the Serbian faced deportation over his vaccination status. Djokovic publicly expressed gratitude for Kyrgios’ support, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Kyrgios continues to defend Djokovic against critics. Recently, he mocked Tony Jones for his remarks, calling him unathletic and dismissing his opinions on elite athletes. Kyrgios also shared a humorous video with comedian Elliot Loney, taking a jab at Jones and Channel Nine’s coverage. This growing friendship highlights Kyrgios’ role as one of Djokovic’s most vocal supporters in Australia.
While Djokovic’s journey in tennis has been fraught with controversies, it also showcases his determination to overcome challenges. Whether he is misunderstood or truly divisive, his impact on the sport is undeniable. Fans remain divided on whether the criticism he faces is justified, but Djokovic continues to leave an indelible mark on tennis history.