In the realm of tennis, certain names resonate with greatness, and among them, Novak Djokovic stands tall. With an astonishing 23 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he currently stands on the brink of claiming his 24th at Wimbledon. However, despite his extraordinary achievements, Djokovic has not always received the recognition and adulation his talent deserves.

Recently, the powerful Belarusian athlete Victoria Azarenka stepped forward to shed light on this paradox, highlighting Djokovic’s underappreciated status within the tennis world. In her candid revelations, Azarenka delves into the unique attributes that set Djokovic apart from his competitors, while also addressing the complexities of his public image.

Azarenka thinks Novak Djokovic is an underrated genius

According to Azarenka, Djokovic has not received the credit he truly deserves, often overshadowed by the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Despite acknowledging Federer’s exceptional talent and considering him the most naturally gifted among the “big three,” Azarenka emphasizes that Novak Djokovic possesses an unparalleled mental strength that sets him apart from his peers.

Azarenka further addressed the criticism Djokovic has faced throughout his career, noting that he often brings it upon himself. She recognizes the existence of a double standard, asserting that Djokovic has had to work much harder than Federer and Nadal to maintain a positive public image. Azarenka emphasizes the uphill battle Djokovic constantly faces, seeking recognition and appreciation for his exceptional achievements.

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Djokovic has been painted as a villain throughout his playing career

Throughout his career, Djokovic has been frequently painted as the villain in tennis. Azarenka sheds light on this perception, acknowledging the existence of a double standard that has often held Djokovic to a different standard than his counterparts. She reveals that earlier in his career, Djokovic aspired to be likable, but over time, he has stopped caring about public opinion, instead focusing on his game and his goals.

“Djokovic has been painted villain so many times. There’s the double standard. He needed to do so much more than Roger/Rafa (to maintain a good image). He’s always climbing uphill. When he was younger he wanted to be likeable, now he stopped caring,” she further revealed in the interview.

Novak Djokovic’s extraordinary journey in tennis, marked by an impressive tally of 23 Grand Slam titles, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. However, his greatness often goes unnoticed and underappreciated in the shadow of other tennis legends.

Watch this story:  Novak Djokovic Not as Charismatic as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Claims Former French Open Winner