'Federer Didn't Like How I was Behaving at the Beginning': Novak Djokovic Reflects on Peer Criticism Early in Career

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, who is gunning for his record-extending 25th major at the ongoing Australian Open, expressed that his attitude during the initial phases of his long and glorious career did not sit well with the legendary Roger Federer.

Djokovic was seen as a rather high-headed maverick early on in his career but has seemed to have mellowed down with each passing year and every title he has claimed in his decorated career.

“I know certainly Federer didn’t like the way I was behaving at the beginning,” the Serbian opened up.

“I think it didn’t sit with him well. I don’t know about the others,” he continued.

“I guess I wasn’t the favourite type of guy to some of the top guys because I was not afraid to say that I wanted to be the best player in the world,” the 36-year-old reflected on his early days.

“I was confident, and I felt like I have the game to back it up,” the 24-time Grand Slam Champion said.

However, Djokovic added that deep down he always had respect for the sport and his opponents.

“Respect is something that I was taught that needs to be present regardless of what is happening,” he added.

“Obviously on the court a lot of things can happen in a kind of heat of a battle. It was a very long time ago now, 20 years since I made my first debut I think on the professional tour. It’s really hard to say who liked me more or less.”

The 10-time Australian Open champion added that he has always had the habit of owning up to his mistakes. But, also said that he never let unfair criticism take a toll on him.

“If I made a mistake, I would admit it and, of course, say I made a mistake, I raise my hand, I apologise or whatever,” the Serbian star said.

“But if the criticism came with no particular reason I think, then I would just keep going in the kind of direction that I chose, and that’s it,” he added.

“I knew and I know today that you can’t have everyone liking you, who you are, how you play, how you behave, what you talk about. It’s normal. We’re all different. We all have different preferences,” Djokovic concluded.