What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is a motto Novak Djokovic seems to live by. Known for his enigmatic reputation, the Serbian legend has faced controversies but still stands tall in the tennis world. With 24 Grand Slams, 99 titles, and a record 428 weeks as World No.1, he has the accolades to back it up. However, his journey includes the infamous COVID-19 drama, crowd boos, and explosive racket-smashing moments that keep fans buzzing. Only another legend of the sport would understand how essential that is to his image.

On January 24, Djokovic retired from the Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring tear after finishing the first set at 7-6 (5). As he walked off the court, some fans at Rod Laver Arena booed him. While many players criticized the crowd’s behavior, former ATP star Jimmy Connors had a different take. Speaking on the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast, he said, “It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what you do. No good deed goes unpunished. It’s crazy, but hey, you know what? I look back over the last number of years and he’s done some things that he stood up for himself.”

After two decades in tennis, Djokovic has built a reputation filled with ups and downs. From the dramatic 2022 visa saga that saw him deported from Australia over the COVID-19 vaccination issues, he’s faced his share of PR nightmares. Who could forget his almost disqualification at the 2020 US Open for accidentally hitting a line judge? Not to forget his on-court smashing incidents that have totaled up to 62 broken rackets. The Serbian juggernaut knows how to keep things interesting—just as Connors pointed out.

Connors added his perspective: “Not everybody could wear the white hat. If everybody wore the white hat, who was the good guy? They would be a little boring, you know? To me! So, a little controversy or a little something different – a different character, a different attitude… it doesn’t have to be much.” The American himself isn’t new to controversy. His infamous Wimbledon parade incident in 1977 still resonates today.

He shared a motto that kept him going: “One quote I always like, that I remember is that, ‘do what you think, say what you want, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” This mindset helped him become World No.1 in 1974 with eight Grand Slams and 109 titles.

Meanwhile, Djokovic is eyeing his elusive 25th major title and 100th title milestone. Though injuries are currently holding him back, he’s known for his resilience. And it’s not just Jimmy Connors backing him up, he’s got Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs support as well.

Former tennis legends support Djokovic after crowd disapproval

Can you believe it? Novak Djokovic had to pull out of the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev due to a muscle tear, and some fans at Rod Laver Arena booed him as he walked off the court! This shocking reaction drew criticism from tennis legends, including Rennae Stubbs, who took to X to express her outrage.

She wrote, “I don’t care what you think of @DjokerNole love him or hate him. If U booed him off the court today, you’re a disgrace. That man has literally left his heart & soul on that court. He’s our greatest champion Melbourne and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!”

Stubbs didn’t hold back during an episode of her podcast either, calling the crowd’s behavior “unacceptable.” She acknowledged that fans paid a lot to see the match but emphasized, “This is called sports. S–t happens like that.” She added that if Djokovic received such treatment, it was “pathetic,” suggesting those booing should “Boo yourself and make sure you put, clip that into a headline.”

Djokovic had sustained his injury during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz but managed to win despite struggling with movement. After the incident, the Serbian shared his X-ray report showing the muscle tear on X, stating, “Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury ‘experts’ out there.”

The tennis community rallied behind him, with Zverev urging fans not to boo injured players and John McEnroe defending Djokovic’s legacy. As of now, it’s unclear how long Nole will be sidelined, but with his determination and support from fellow athletes, he may just surprise us all. What’s your take on this?