‘Federer Can Be Petty’ – Novak Djokovic Fans Furiously Expose Swiss Rival’s Rafael Nadal Bias Following Laureus 2024

Novak Djokovic has found another record to challenge Roger Federer for! With 5 Laureus World Sports Awards for the Sportsman of the Year, the rivalry between the two is well and alive, despite the Swiss player’s retirement. And the third from the Big 3 has made headlines for two reasons on the same day. In addition to Rafael Nadal‘s foundation receiving the Laureus Sport for Good Award, the Spaniard has confirmed his participation in the Laver Cup! But for fans of the Serb, Federer is apparently only happy for the Spaniard’s good news.

The retired tennis star found himself in the bad books of Novak Djokovic’s fans when he put up an Instagram story about Nadal at the Laver Cup, using the Spaniard’s iconic chant, “Vamos Rafa“. He conspicuously refrained from congratulating Djokovic for winning the Laureus Award. And the Serbinator’s fans pounced on Federer for the miss.

Some fans didn’t hesitate to showcase their disgust for the 20-time Grand Slam champion through their social media post.

While the others highlighted that ever since Novak Djokovic started to shatter all their records, both Federer and Nadal have ignored the Serb and only prioritized each other’s achievements in their lives. One even added that they have never talked about Nole, even when he reached the historic 24 Grand Slam titles mark.

Another one called Roger Federer to be nothing but petty, “Federer can be petty, end of story.”

One fan stated that this depicts insecurity at its peak. However, they didn’t explain “insecurity” of what? Roger Federer has already put an end to his illustrious career two years ago. It’s pretty interesting to see how he still has the ability to lighten up any debates surrounding the ‘Big Three’ in the tennis world.

A few said that it’s really “Pathetic“. They didn’t hesitate to call Roger Federer a man with no dignity.

However, if we look back a little, in February this year Rafael Nadal gave an interview to La Sexta. During that interview, he spoke about the nature of his relationship with the Swiss Maestro. He highlighted the role of Roger Federer in his career and spoke about how they pushed each other to become two of the best in the tennis world. But in the end, he stirred up a major controversy stating that although they have a cordial relationship, he would not consider Roger Federer as his friend.

Will Federer snubbing Djokovic for Nadal add a new dimension to the relationships between the ‘Big Three’? Well, Novak Djokovic has high regard for Rafael Nadal and it was clearly portrayed at the 2024 Laureus Awards ceremony in Madrid.

“He is my most important rival” – Djokovic on Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic spoke about the 22-time Grand Slam champion during the award ceremony in Madrid. He reflected his admiration for the Spaniard stating, “I have a lot of respect for a legend like him. With whom I hope to be able to play at least one more time before he retires.” Novak Djokovic further went on to add, “I have a lot of respect for Rafa. He is a good person and a legend of our sport.”

“He is my most important rival. In Australia, I said I hoped to see him in one or two tournaments and I hope to do that.” Will Novak Djokovic get his wish fulfilled for one last time in the 2024 season? Time will tell, but do share your thoughts on the ‘camaraderie’ of the ‘Big Three’ in the tennis world.