(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Novak Djokovic hilariously revealed how he once reacted to a Serb telling him he was the only Serb rooting for him against Roger Federer. Djokovic and Federer faced each other 50 times, with the Serb winning 27 times and losing 23 times.
Once, Djokovic was approached by a Serb who claimed to be the only Serb rooting for Federer against him. “One man approached me and told me ‘You know I’m the only person from Serbia who roots for Federer against you.’ I respond ‘I did not know, I thought there were more of you, but if you are the only one, that’s great (laughing).
How can I make you root for me (laughing?” Djokovic said on the Wish&Go podcast.
Federer congratulated Djokovic
At this past French Open, Djokovic won a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam title. British newspaper i caught up with Federer and asked the Swiss to share his thoughts on Djokovic making tennis history.
Federer, a former 20-time Grand Slam champion, showed his class once again as he was full of praise for Djokovic. “I thought what Novak did is incredible. Honestly, it’s great for tennis, great for sports when tennis writes its own history and keeps on adding to it like we’ve seen with Serena Williams as well, Rafa then myself and now with Novak.
It’s a great time in tennis to be a fan as well, but also a player. I remember when I came on tour, and Pete Sampras reached 14 we thought ‘Okay, that one is gonna stay forever’. Then I went to 15, I eventually ended up at 17, and then we pushed each other to 20 – I don’t remember who was first – and then Rafa pushed it to 22.
Then now Novak pushed it to 23 and he looks like he’s gonna keep on doing that for a long time still to come, which is great. And I wish him all the best. I think also the way he’s doing it still – he isn’t the youngest anymore, we forget.
He looks young and he does it in a young way, but it’s not easy, and I thought it was an amazing victory. So I couldn’t have been more happy,” Federer said.
